“Never let the future disturb you,” wrote Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. “You will face it, if you must, with the same tools of reason that arm you against the present.”

In Iva Jovic’s case — the 17-year-old global tennis sensation — that ancient insight captures a rare athletic and personal reality: a breakthrough that comes not too early, but right on time. Her career is unfolding with the momentum and maturity of someone well beyond her years, as she begins to compete among the sport’s elite while still firmly in her teenage phase. 

Already, she’s claimed milestones few her age can dream of: a first WTA 125 title in Ilkley, a highway into the WTA Top 100, and a growing role on the international stage. And yet, Jovic’s future doesn’t feel rushed. It lives in a present shaped by deliberate work, a multicultural foundation, and tools that are both grounded and deep: the kind that equip her not just for what’s ahead, but for what’s already here.

Your family roots trace back to the Balkans, a region known for producing incredible athletes and sports legends. How much do you feel influenced—both as a tennis player and as a person—by your parents’ heritage? And on the other hand, how has growing up in the U.S. shaped you?

My Balkan roots have really defined my family and who I am. As a kid growing up, I used to go back and visit my family every summer and still try to go visit when I can. The Balkan mindset is something that I bring to the tennis court every day when training and competing. Being born in the US and growing up here has allowed me to take the best from both cultures and gain a different perspective. I am very thankful and appreciative that I have been exposed to the US diversity, culture and experiences—while also being able to blend the Balkan roots and culture.

You started playing tennis at a very young age. What were the sensations or specific moments that made you fall in love with the game? Do those first feelings still stay with you, or have they evolved over time?

I started to play tennis with my sister around the age of 6 or 7 because there were courts on the roof of the apartment building where my family and I lived. The competitiveness that tennis showed me when playing with my older sister, is something that stuck out to me. Over time, I love the process and development of tennis. There is a process to continuously get better and add to my game. 

Your talent brought you into the global tennis spotlight very quickly. How did you experience the transition from tennis as a game to tennis as a professional career? And how are you managing the pressures that come with such a bright junior trajectory?

I still feel like I am in a transition because I am so young and new on tour. With that being said, I rely a lot on my family and my team who has been with me through my junior days. My family is everything to me and has helped me a lot as I deal with being on the tour full time.

Building on that, how have you experienced your rapid and early breakthrough into the WTA Top 100? What kind of emotions come up when you reflect on hitting that milestone already?

Breaking into the top 100 has always been a goal and to be honest, there is a lot of happiness surrounding that goal. Achieving that goal by winning my first WTA title (Ilkley 125) was something that was very special. At the end of the day, I try to stay focused on my game and getting better each and every day. The more I focus on my game and the development of my tennis, the ranking will naturally take care of itself.

These years are shaping you not only as a world-class athlete, but also as a person. What other interests or passions are you cultivating off the court?

I am very thankful that I am able to travel and experience different cultures and see the world. I love exploring cities and doing activities off the court when I have time. I enjoy going to plays and shows when I can. I also am still completing my online school, so I am also focusing on my education—which is very important to myself and my family. 

Speaking of personal development, your partnership with adidas reflects that evolution—both in terms of style and performance. What does this connection mean to you? How is it helping you grow, both as a player and as a person with a unique style identity?

My partnership with adidas is a big part of my evolution on and off the court. The style is cutting edge, while also keeping the high standard of performance that it takes to be a world class athlete. The adidas family is truly a special one and I feel at home when I wear their product both on and off the court.

You have a whole tennis future ahead of you. Where do you see yourself 10 or 15 years from now? What are your biggest dreams and goals?

I haven’t been able to think that far ahead! I am just trying to stay present and take things one day or one step at a time! Of course, I would love to win grand slams and be number one in the world, but most importantly I hope that through my tennis I can have an impact on others. If I am able to achieve all of that, I would be very happy and feel fulfilled.