17-Year-Old Iva Jovic Claims Guadalajara Open Akron Title, Secures Significant Prize Money

Guadalajara, Mexico – American tennis prodigy Iva Jovic, at just 17 years old, captured her maiden WTA Tour-level title at the Guadalajara Open Akron, a WTA 500 event, on Sunday. Jovic defeated Colombia’s Emiliana Arango in the final with a commanding score of 6-4, 6-1.

For her triumphant run at the Guadalajara Open, Jovic earned a substantial amount of prize money and made a significant leap in the world rankings. The prize money she collected specifically for winning the final was $63,000, contributing to a total of $164,000 earned from her performance in this tournament. This victory also propelled her into the Top 50 of the WTA rankings, achieving a career-high singles ranking of world No. 36 as of September 15, 2025.

Jovic’s Path to Glory in Guadalajara

Jovic’s journey to her first WTA title showcased her remarkable talent and tenacity. Her performance at the WTA 500 hardcourt tournament was highlighted by several hard-fought matches leading up to the final.

Semifinal Victory Against Bartunkova

In the semifinals, Jovic faced Nikola Bartunkova of the Czech Republic, emerging victorious after a tough three-set battle with a score of 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3.

Quarterfinal Triumph

Her quarterfinal match against Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva also went the distance, with Jovic prevailing 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(6).

Throughout the tournament, Jovic demonstrated impressive maturity for her age, converting key break points and showcasing a strong mental game under pressure. Her win marks her as the youngest player to claim the Guadalajara Open title and the youngest American to win a tour-level crown since Coco Gauff in 2021.