American players have been enjoying themselves on the court in recent times, and that trend has continued into the Cincinnati Open.
Ben Shelton loved his Canadian Open performances, which resulted in the American winning a maiden ATP Masters 1000 title.
His compatriot Taylor Fritz reached the semifinals in Toronto, while both players are looking strong once more at the Cincinnati Open.
Shelton and Fritz also occupy places within the ATP top 10, although they are currently being overshadowed by their WTA counterparts.
Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys and Amanda Anisimova are all within the WTA top 10 as Cincinnati progresses.
Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty ImagesBarbora Krejcikova tips American teenager for a ‘great future’ after Cincinnati Open match
Moreover, American women have dominated the Grand Slams this season, with Keys winning the Australian Open and Gauff winning the French Open.
But two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova has now highlighted the presence of another American ace on the WTA Tour.
READ MORE: Barbora Krejcikova names the toughest player she has ever faced at Wimbledon
She said of Iva Jovic: “I wish I played like her when I was 17. I feel like she’s [going to have] a great future ahead of her. I’m really happy I found my way through.”
The comments come following Krejcikova’s win over Jovic at the Cincinnati Open, after which she told her: “Good match. Keep going.”
Who is WTA number 88 Iva Jovic?
Such words of motivation may be few, but they will likely go a long way for Jovic, who can hold her head high despite the defeat.
Krejcikova, who won the French Open and Wimbledon in 2021 and 2024 respectively, won their round of 32 match 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.
Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images
The Czech star hasn’t, of course, been limited to Grand Slam singles success, boasting a stunning seven Grand Slam doubles titles.
Her voice therefore carries plenty of respect, which certainly bodes well for Jovic, who will turn 18 later this year.
RankPlayerAge2Coco Gauff214Jessica Pegula316Madison Keys308Amanda Anisimova2311Emma Navarro2429Sofia Kenin2632Mccartney Kessler2635Ashlyn Krueger2151Hailey Baptiste2353Peyton Stearns23Top-ranked American WTA players
The American recently rose three places to 88th in the WTA rankings, just one spot off last month’s career high.
She has yet to win a WTA Tour title, but has managed to reach at least the first round of all four Grand Slams.