16-year-old Iva Jovic makes impressive debut at US Open

Iva Jovic is the youngest player in the US Open main drawThe American with Serbian roots earned a wildcard after winning the USTA U18 National Championships a few weeks ago and took advantage of it with both hands. The 16-year-old made her Major debut against the world number one.

42 Magda Linette on Court 15 and secured a 6-4, 6-3 victory in one hour and 28 minutes, becoming the first player born in 2007 to win a Major. The junior world no. 5 prevailed in both sets, achieved a remarkable triumph and advanced to the second round.

Jovic served only 54% but made the most of it. The young American lost his serve once and kept the pressure on the other side. Iva converted 45% of the return points in four breaks from eight chances, rattling off the last four games to come out on top in style.

A teenager started her career at Majors with a great win in the first match of the competition, which gave her the necessary confidence.

Iva Jovic made a winning debut at the US Open at the age of 16.

Linette came back in the second game until she got into trouble again with the first goal (1-1).

The Pole squandered two game points and made a forehand error on a break point, putting the American 2-1 up. Iva consolidated the lead with a hold in game four and defended two break points two games later, forcing the rival to make an error and go 4-2 up.

Jovic took the eighth game after Linette’s forehand error forced her rival to serve to stay in the set. Magda denied a set point in the ninth game and held on, reducing the gap to 5-4 and extending the action. The young shooter served for the opener in game ten and created two set points after a loose backhand from the world number one.

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Iva hit a service winner to finish the opener and gain a boost. Both players served well in the beginning of the second set, with six comfortable holds and a 3-3 score.

Jovic came back from 15-40 down on the return in game seven and took the second break point after weathering the battle of backhands, coming forward and closer to the finish. The youngster secured a good grip in game eight, opening a 5-3 lead and keeping the pressure on her opponent.

Linette served to stay in the match in game nine and had three match points, with Iva converting the last after Magda double-faulted to celebrate her first Major victory on 16.