Iva Jovic is preparing to face Emma Navarro at Roland Garros, shortly after their recent encounter in Strasbourg.
The 18-year-old believes her countrywoman is back to playing at a Top 10 level.
Jovic on Facing a Friend
Jovic played Alexandra Eala in her Roland Garros opener. Before the match on Court 14, the two shared an embrace. Following her 6-4, 6-2 victory, Jovic and Eala hugged at the net.
“There’s so much respect there with me and Alex, as players, as a person,” Jovic said. “She’s a baller. She’s also just one of the nicest people. I’m here for her, she’s here for me.”
Jovic believes that maintaining connections outside of the locker room is a mental health benefit. “You need those friendships and those people on the tour. Otherwise it’s a little too hard to be doing all of this,” she said. “It’s a bummer we had to play each other in the first round, but it happens. Draws are like that. I know we’ll play each other many more times.”
Navarro’s Recent Form
Jovic will face Emma Navarro in the second round. Navarro entered the clay-court major after winning the WTA 500 event in Strasbourg. During that run, Navarro defeated Jovic in three sets.
“This is a really tough one. As a seed, for a second round, Emma was Top 10 six months ago. Obviously she’s back playing at that level,” commented Jovic.
“I know personally how well she’s playing right now. It wasn’t a bad match from my end, but a little too good from her. I need to make a couple adjustments. I’m ready for a battle—two, three, four hours, however long it takes.”
Navarro defeated Janice Tjen, 6-4, 6-3. “It feels good to get a two-set win. Feels even better to be on the Tennis Channel desk!” smiled Navarro. “I had fun out there today.”
Navarro’s Journey to Roland Garros
Before returning in Rome earlier this month, Navarro last appeared in an opening defeat to Lulu Sun at the WTA 125 tournament in Austin, Texas on March 11. With her strong run of form that included topping Victoria Mboko in the Strasbourg final, Navarro has now pulled her season record back up to the .500 mark.
“I spent a couple months at home away from the tour. Came back not expecting anything really results wise,” the current No. 25 expressed.
Iva Jovic said she is ready for a battle against Emma Navarro, saying it could last “two, three, four hours, however long it takes.”