Iva Jovic, an emerging tennis talent, recently shared her ambitious wish to partner with Novak Djokovic in the mixed doubles event at the 2026 US Open. The 18-year-old American star revealed this during a recent episode of The Player’s Box podcast, where she discussed her dream doubles teammate. Alongside fellow players Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, Jennifer Brady, and Desirae Krawczyk, Jovic named Djokovic as her top choice for a mixed doubles partner.
Um, my dream doubles partner is, okay, can I go mixed? Because then I would go with Novak,
Jovic said.
Okay, I’m going to put it out there: mixed with Novak at the US Open. The US Open. I mean, that’s kind of the only option there is for mixed doubles.
The podcast co-hosts mentioned that Djokovic follows the show, raising the possibility that her request might reach the world-renowned Serbian player. Jovic also described the impactful moment she met Djokovic during the Australian Open at Melbourne Park, emphasizing the significance of his public acknowledgment of her.
He gave me a full-on shoutout,
Jovic recalled.
I was shaking. That was honestly, I think, the most surreal part of Australia, meeting Novak and talking to him. It was, oh wow, it was amazing. Yeah, that was the highlight of the trip. And he gave me a shoutout after the quarterfinals on live television, you know, right after his match when he’s in his zone thinking about himself. I was like, ‘Wow, this is just amazing.’
The Impact of Novak Djokovic as an Inspiration in Jovic’s Career
Novak Djokovic has been a defining figure for many young tennis players over the past two decades, and Iva Jovic counts herself among his admirers. After breaking into the top 20 in the WTA rankings in 2026, Jovic also reached the Australian Open quarterfinals, where she was overcome by World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Her encounter with Djokovic at Melbourne left a lasting impression, reinforcing the role he plays as a motivating idol in her journey.
Speaking ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Jovic opened up about her nervousness in interacting with Djokovic and her admiration for his achievements.
Oh, my God. Well, I hope … I don’t know if I’m brave enough to do that,
she admitted.
I’m still a little nervous when I talk to him. He’s definitely my idol, but yeah, I see him at every corner. I’m like, how many times did this guy win the tournament? I see him on every screen. But just try to be like Novak. I’m going to keep it that simple.
Jovic’s aspirations to follow in Djokovic’s footsteps are particularly relevant as she prepares to compete in Dubai, where Djokovic has secured five titles in his career.
Anticipation Builds Around Jovic’s Potential Partnership with Djokovic
Iva Jovic’s public declaration about wanting to partner with Novak Djokovic at the US Open has sparked excitement among fans and the tennis community alike. The notion of pairing one of the tour’s brightest young American stars with a seasoned champion like Djokovic intrigues many, blending fresh talent with experience on a prestigious stage.
Such a partnership would not only raise the profile of the mixed doubles event but also provide Jovic an unparalleled learning opportunity. Djokovic’s veteran insight and competitive spirit could prove invaluable as she continues to build her career. For Djokovic, joining forces with a promising player like Jovic might offer a new dynamic in doubles play while further cementing his mentorship role in the sport.
The outcome of this hopeful pairing remains uncertain, depending on tournament entries and personal decisions, but the public interest underlines the special place Djokovic holds in tennis and how Iva Jovic looks up to him as a key figure shaping her ambitions.
