Iva Jović Learns to Outsmart Opponents from the Best
At Roland Garros, the landscape of American tennis is shifting as 18-year-old Iva Jović continues her ascent. During the second round of the 2026 French Open, Jović delivered a clinical 6-0, 6-3 victory over Emma Navarro, demonstrating a level of tactical maturity that suggests she has firmly arrived on the professional stage.
The teenager’s development has been bolstered by an unlikely mentor: 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. The two, who share Serbian heritage, first connected for tutorials in Australia this past January. Their relationship continued in Paris, where Djokovic offered specific tactical advice on handling clay-court play, which Jović successfully implemented during her dominant performance against Navarro.
The Evolution of a Contender
For Navarro, the match represented a different stage of a professional journey. After navigating a challenging period marked by health issues and early exits at the Australian Open and other major events, she recently found success at the Strasbourg International. Her approach has shifted toward a pragmatic philosophy, prioritizing her health and individual needs over the rigid, high-pressure schedule that previously led to burnout.
Jović, conversely, is rapidly refining her aggressive style under the long-term guidance of Tom Gutteridge. Having worked with him since she was 14, she is evolving from a baseline hitter into a versatile player capable of using the full width of the court. Her current game, characterized by controlled, suffocating pressure, mirrors the tactical intensity often associated with Djokovic.
Did You Know?
Iva Jović has been working with coach Tom Gutteridge since she was 14 years old, with Gutteridge noting earlier this year that the teenager was only utilizing about 40 percent of her total potential as a player.
Expert Insight:
The contrast between Jović’s rapid rise and Navarro’s deliberate, health-conscious “makeover” highlights the divergent paths to success on the WTA Tour. While Jović is currently leaning into a high-urgency, aggressive style to establish her dominance, Navarro is proving that long-term sustainability often requires a willingness to take a step back to recalibrate both physically and mentally. The effectiveness of these two distinct approaches will likely define their trajectory for the remainder of the season.
Looking Ahead
As Jović advances in the tournament, the question remains whether she can maintain her current level of tactical execution. Having gained the internal confidence that she belongs among the world’s elite, she is expected to continue utilizing the varied rhythm and pace adjustments she has developed with Gutteridge. Meanwhile, Navarro’s path forward likely hinges on her ability to integrate her newfound tactical flexibility—the mix of baseline steadiness and strategic aggression—against increasingly difficult competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Novak Djokovic influence Iva Jović’s performance at the French Open?
Djokovic, who has served as a mentor to Jović, provided her with specific tactical advice on how to navigate clay-court play during a chance meeting at the locker room at Roland Garros.
Why did Emma Navarro take a break from the professional tour earlier this year?
Navarro stepped away from the tour to manage an unspecified health issue that had been building for approximately 18 months, prioritizing her well-being and a more pragmatic approach to her training schedule.
What is the primary focus of Iva Jović’s current training?
Under coach Tom Gutteridge, Jović is focusing on adding variety to her game, including changing rhythm, pace, and utilizing the full court rather than relying solely on baseline play.
How do you think the mentorship of established legends impacts the development of young players on the professional circuit?