At Roland Garros, Iva Jović, an 18-year-old American player, encountered a familiar face on her way to the locker room. It was Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion from Serbia, who has taken a mentor role with Jović. Despite his busy schedule, Djokovic paused to inquire about her progress since their training sessions in Australia earlier this year.
Jović, hailing from Torrance, California, with Serbian roots, shared that Djokovic offered her tactical advice specific to her play on clay. During an interview, she mentioned, “He suggested some strategic moves to try out.” However, she remained tight-lipped about the details, preferring to discuss them further with Djokovic later.
In her second-round match against Emma Navarro at the French Open, Jović executed her game plan effectively. With precise shots, she kept pushing Navarro, achieving a 6-0, 6-3 victory. Although both players are on similar paths and refining their skills, their approaches differ significantly.
Jović excels in controlled aggression, already showing maturity beyond her years. Navarro, on the other hand, is striving to adopt a more aggressive style. Her efforts to transform her game have been challenging, compounded by ongoing health issues.
In Rome a year ago, Navarro spoke about her tennis transformation. Her goal was to become adept at dictating matches, using angled strokes, and finishing at the net. As her game evolved, she began taking necessary steps, even if it meant temporary setbacks.
Despite some early tournament exits, Navarro gained recognition, securing sponsorship deals with brands like Fila and Red Bull. After disappointing performances in the Australian Open and other events, she took a break to address her health, focusing on feeling fit and spending time with family and friends.
Returning to the court, Navarro adjusted her regimen, emphasizing flexibility in practice routines. She recognized the importance of recognizing her own needs, varying practice duration based on her daily condition.
Doing what I feel is best for me on a given day in terms of how much I practice, how much I’m in the gym, what I do outside of practice,she explained.
On resuming competition, she faced defeats but eventually triumphed at the Strasbourg International. She defeated Jović in the process and clinched the title.
Throughout these changes, Navarro maintained core elements of her game, such as defensive skills and strategic shot selection. Her perseverance in matches often resulted in victories, showcasing a hallmark ability to endure three-set challenges.
Jović, meanwhile, experienced a rapid rise in rankings. She has come to terms with her standing, recognizing her place among top players. With Tom Gutteridge as her coach since she was 14, Jović works on expanding her skills beyond baseline play.
Gutteridge commented on their focus, “We aimed to develop variety in her play, encouraging her to utilize the entire court to her advantage.” Their training emphasizes aggressiveness and adaptability, fostering a proactive on-court presence.
Jović herself acknowledged the necessity of urgency in high-level play, stating, “There’s no time to pick your shot and wait at this level.” She embraces an assertive mindset, aiming to seize opportunities as soon as they appear, a principle ingrained by her mentor Djokovic.