{"id":605399,"date":"2026-04-14T03:04:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T03:04:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/605399\/"},"modified":"2026-04-14T03:04:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T03:04:08","slug":"torrance-tennis-prodigy-iva-jovic-lists-her-california-favorites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/605399\/","title":{"rendered":"Torrance Tennis Prodigy Iva Jovic Lists Her California Favorites"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sunny Southern California proved to be the perfect training ground for\u00a0Iva Jovic<\/a>, a rising star on the professional women\u2019s tennis circuit. The\u00a0Torrance<\/a> native started playing at age 5, and her hard work and dedication led to junior-circuit doubles titles in 2024 at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon.<\/p>\n

Jovic took things to another level in 2025 on the pro tour, playing in all four Grand Slam main draws and netting a breakthrough tourney win in Guadalajara at age 17. The\u00a0Los Angeles County<\/a> native further proved she was a force to be reckoned with at the 2026 Australian Open, storming her way to the quarterfinals and vaulting into the WTA\u2019s top 20 in the world rankings.<\/p>\n

These days, Iva\u2019s playing takes her all around the world. Still, her deep roots in Southern California ensure she\u2019ll remain a hometown favorite in tournaments like March\u2019s\u00a0BNP Paribas Open<\/a> in Greater Palm Springs, which is where we caught up with her to quiz her on all her favorite things about the Golden State.<\/p>\n

Where do you live?\u00a0Torrance<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Why there?\u00a0I grew up there and that’s where my parents live. I like that the beach is 10 to 15 minutes away. I love the\u00a0beach<\/a>. It’s a little bit more suburban there, so you have your peace, and you have the beach\u2026\u00a0 It\u2019s a good combo.<\/p>\n

Who or what is your greatest California love?\u00a0We have some really good acai bowls. I’m a big acai person and I\u2019m very picky with mine. And the Cali ones, I think, are some of the best.<\/p>\n

What is the stereotype that most holds true?\u00a0I think we are quite picky eaters.<\/p>\n

What is your favorite Golden State splurge?\u00a0I love to rent some\u00a0paddleboards<\/a> and get out on the water. That\u2019s amazing.<\/p>\n

Time for a road trip\u2014where are you going?\u00a0I love\u00a0San Diego<\/a>. That’s not that far from me, but I would go to\u00a0San Diego.<\/p>\n

If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? I love\u00a0Creme de la Crepe<\/a> [with five locations in L.A. and Orange counties]. Their cr\u00eapes are so good. I love cr\u00eapes. Savory, sweet\u2014and they have it all. You can have a full meal there.<\/p>\n

What is your favorite way to play in California?\u00a0I love the paddleboarding and\u00a0surfing<\/a>. The state\u2019s\u00a0beach sports<\/a> are amazing.<\/p>\n

Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California?\u00a0Cabazon Outlets<\/a> is amazing. It\u2019s huge. We always go there when we\u2019re driving to\u00a0Indian Wells<\/a>. There are no shortage of places where you can shop in California.<\/p>\n

Best California song? I\u2019m just gonna go simple and say\u00a0\u201cCalifornia Gurls\u201d<\/a> by Katy Perry. It\u2019s such a classic!<\/p>\n

How would your California dream day unfold? I\u2019d start the morning with an acai bowl. Go to the beach and surf a little bit. Just kind of chill in the water. Lay on the sand, read a book, then play some volleyball. Then walk around a little bit. Put my feet in the water and then head back up and get some dinner at Creme de la Crepe.<\/p>\n