Jessica Pegula, Danielle Collins, Nick Kyrgios & more heap praise on Iva Jovic as she follows in Coco Gauff's footsteps with Guadalajara Open triumph

Iva Jovic claimed her first WTA title on Sunday after defeating Emiliana Arango, 6-4, 6-1, to win the 2025 Guadalajara Open. With the win, Jovic became the youngest American woman to win a WTA-level title since Coco Gauff in 2021. Gauff won in Parma in 2021.

After winning her maiden title, Jovic's opponent, Arango, took to Instagram and posted a heartfelt message while sharing her glimpses from the tournament. She acknowledged Mexico and the crowd for supporting her. She also congratulated Jovic on winning her first WTA title. She wrote:

"Today wasn't the result I dreamed of, but every point played was a battle and every moment on the court reminded me why I love this sport. 💪🎾Losing a final is never easy, but it's also an opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger. THANKS FOR THE BEATS! Long live Mexico 🇲🇽. @iva_jovic07 Congrats on the title! I hope to see you in many more finals💪🏼🔥"

The tennis world also came together to celebrate Jovic's latest triumph as a 17-year-old. World No. 5 Jessica Pegula shared WTA’s "CHAMPION" graphic and congratulated Jovic on her breakthrough. Pegula wrote:

"Congrats @iva_jovic07!!"

Fellow American Danielle Collins reposted a highlight from Tennis Channel, showing Jovic lifting the Guadalajara trophy under a traditional sombrero. Collins added her own caption:

"The first of many @iva_jovic07 💚🏆."

Australian star Nick Kyrgios also joined the chorus of praise. He posted an image of Jovic with her trophy and sombrero. He captioned:

"Sky the limit."

Iva Jovic to break into top 50 of the WTA rankings after latest triumph

The tournament in Guadalajara was a WTA 500 hard-court event, and thus, it will help 17-year-old Iva Jovic to break into the top 50 of the WTA rankings. In the final vs Emiliana Arango, Jovic dominated the second set after a tighter first. She wrapped up the match in just over 90 minutes.

Statistically, she saved 6 of 9 break points and converted 6 of 11 break opportunities in the final. Meanwhile, Arango struggled with double faults and less consistency in serve and return.

"You showed so much fight and gave the people a show," Jovic said. "It's not easy to start out on tour when you're young ... but people like Emiliana make it easier and always have a smile on their face."

Winning a WTA 500 title at 17 is a strong signal of her potential. Iva Jovic is deserving of all the praise she's receiving after a major break this early in her professional career.

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

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Edited by Krutik Jain