By Richard Pagliaro Saturday, January 24, 2026
Image source: Australian Open Facebook
Novak Djokovic Know what it takes to get to the top of tennis.
The Grand Slam King is convinced Eva Jovich Has all the skills to reach the top of the sport.
After Djokovic defeated Botik van der Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) in the third round of the Australian Open on Saturday night, he boldly declared that the 18-year-old Jovic is the future world No. 1.
Djokovic, who has a friendly relationship with Jovic and her parents, Serbian immigrants from California, provided the 29th-seeded American with savvy tactical advice, which she applied in Friday’s 6-2, 7-3(3) victory over seventh-seeded Jasmine Paolini.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion said Jovic has the key qualities to reach the top and win a Grand Slam title.
“I first met Eva last year. She’s young and has come a long way up the rankings and had some great results – she made the last 16. So we met yesterday at the press conference and I shared some observations of her game,” Djokovic told Hall of Famer Jim Courier in an on-court interview. “I guess [what I told her] Stay between us. I saw her reveal exactly what I told her at the press conference. It doesn’t matter. It’s up to her whether she wants to share.
“Obviously, I really like her. She’s a great girl and has a great family. Obviously I have a stronger emotional connection to her because of her Serbian background. So I work harder. She has all the tools to be a future champion – to be a future No. 1 – and that’s what I hope for her.”
World No. 27 Jovic has dropped just 16 games in three match wins as he prepares for a fourth-round showdown with Agent Provocateur Yulia Putintseva. The winner of Sunday’s game will compete withWorld No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka or No. 17 seed Victoria Mboko In the AO quarter-finals.
Jovic credits ten-time AO champion Djokovic’s advice as key to her victory over former Wimbledon finalist Paolini.
“Yeah, I actually had a little chat with Novak yesterday. So it’s unbelievable,” Jovic said. “He gave me some really careful game tips that I could try to incorporate into this game that I just had.
“So that’s one of my biggest concerns because I think when Novak gives you some advice, you follow it.”
One piece of advice Djokovic shared is that in addition to hitting the ball deep, work on the width of the court and try to score with more patience.
“Yeah, just to open up the court better, don’t always rush to shoot, find some
More width,” Jovic said. “So I tried that and it worked out well. So I’m going to try to keep listening to Novak. “
