Jovic Wins Second Straight Guadalajara Title
Iva Jovic won her second career WTA Tour title this weekend, defeating fellow American Peyton Stearns 6-4, 6-2 to win the Guadalajara Open for the second straight season.
“It’s amazing to be back here in the final with this beautiful trophy and this sombrero,” Jovic said. “I love it here. You guys have given me so much energy. The crowd is my favorite thing about coming here, so thank you so much for being here.”
Jovic’s first career title came in the same place a year ago, and put together a dominant week in Mexico. She did not drop a set in all four of her matches including in Saturday’s final. She broke Stearns for a 5-4 lead in the opening set, and quickly served it out to gain the early advantage.
In the second set, she broke Stearns to open things up to maintain control. Jovic broke once more for a 5-2 lead, and in the ensuing game, a backhand winner on her third championship point sealed the 18-year-old’s title.
Jovic now moves up three spots to No. 13 in the world, her career-high ranking.
“I’m just happy with the improvements I’ve made throughout the year,” said Jovic. “I think I’ve shown that I’m a more complete and better player than I was this time around last year.”
