Jovic advances to the second round

On the opening day of Wimbledon, on the court 15the pristine green grass was bathed in sunlight, the ivy covered walls and purple and white flowers looked gorgeous and the cool breeze felt especially welcome after last week’s heat wave.

Viewing 18– American Iva Jovic, I was struck by her grace and power. She plays with intensity, taking the ball on the rise, rushing her opponent.

Jovic claimed her first Wimbledon win in the main draw at one 7-6(1), 6-0 wins against world no. 37 Jaqueline Cristian.

In the first set, neither player could break serve, forcing a tiebreak. On the break, Jovic took full control, winning it 7-1.

Carrying this momentum into the second set, Jovic served six straight games to end the match in one hour and 30 minutes.

(Geoff Burke/Imagn Images)

Jovic struck 19 winner at Cristian’s 12 and won 44 rebounding percentage, creating seven break point opportunities and converting three. She was also effective in net, winning 10 her 12 approaches.

Christian did 58 percentage of her first services and won 82 percent of those points, but struggled after her second serve, allowing Jovic to take control of the rallies as the match progressed.

The win sends the sixteenth seed into the second round of Wimbledon for the first time.

American Jessica Pegula, fourth, who also advanced to the second round, was asked about Jovic in her post-match press conference.

“She is a great player, I think she is very good. I practiced a little with it. And then I remember watching him play in Australia. I didn’t know if I had any idea where her game would be.

“I think she went out for a night match and just destroyed someone. You can just see the look on her face, like, she means business every time she steps out. I think it’s something super rare. You don’t always see that in someone so young.

“I remember watching that match and being like, ‘This girl is going to be so good.’ You can feel it. I think you kind of know when you see someone play. I feel like she had a great year last year, and then I think she’s established herself as certainly at the top.-20 player.”