Novak Djokovic ‘makes time for young players, says Iva Jovic | ATP Tour

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Djokovic ‘makes time for young players’: WTA star Jovic on Novak the mentor

ATP Tour icon has frequently offered advice to fast-rising 18-year-old American

April 02, 2026

Novak Djokovic has become one of tennis’ great leaders, in every sense of the word.

The Serbian is a 101-time-tour-level champion, a tally which includes a record 24 men’s singles Grand Slam trophies, and he has spent a record 428 weeks as the No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings. As time has passed, Djokovic has also developed into someone to look up to for newly emerging talents in the sport.

Iva Jovic can certainly attest to the 38-year-old Djokovic’s skills as a mentor. The 18-year-old American, who is currently at a career-high No. 16 in the PIF WTA Rankings, has in recent months enjoyed getting to know the ATP Tour icon who hails from the same country as her father, Bojan. Jovic first met Djokovic at Wimbledon last year and says he has been more than happy to offer her advice as she finds her way on Tour.

“He’s given me some great tips. I can tell that he has watched my matches, which is surreal,” Jovic told Tennis Channel on Wednesday in Charleston, where she is competing at a WTA 500 event. “I’m like, ‘How do you even have time for that? How am I on your priority list?’ But it’s incredible.

“He gives me some very specific takes about some tactics I can play, some different versatility I can add into my game, so I’ve been trying to do it. Me and my coach have a joke, where he says, ‘If you don’t want to listen to me, listen to Novak at least!’, because they’re saying the same thing but it’s a little different when it comes from Novak.”

Jovic is not the first teenager to speak about feeling supported by Djokovic in recent weeks. At last month’s Miami Open presented by Itau, #NextGenATP Frenchman Moise Kouame revealed that the Serbian sent him a congratulatory text after he became the youngest match winner in tournament history aged just 17.

“I don’t know how he does it,” said Jovic. “He’s a husband, he’s a father, he’s the greatest tennis player of all time. He knows, what, seven languages? I don’t know. Everyone needs a time-management plan from Novak, because I don’t know how he does it. But he really makes time for young players and wants to help them, which is great.”

Having the option to approach one of the most successful sportspeople of all time for advice is something Jovic is keen to cherish, especially while Djokovic continues to push for titles on the biggest stages in tennis.

“I have a direct line [to him]. I try not to bother him too much, but I text him throughout tournaments especially, when we are at the same place,” said Jovic. “Every time I see him, we have a good chat, so I’m hoping he stays around the Tour longer!”