Iva Jovic is set to kick off her clay season in the first week after signing up to play at the Credit One Charleston Open, which takes place between March 30-April 5.
After enjoying a rapid start to 2026 and reaching her maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal at the Australian Open, rising American star Jovic is preparing to play the full Sunshine Double for the first time in her career. Last year, the current world No. 20 debuted in Indian Wells as a wildcard, but didn't get to play in Miami.
Once the 18-year-old concludes the Sunshine Double, she will stay in the United States for more tennis action. This time, to make her Charleston debut and play her first clay tournament of the year in the opening week of the clay swing.
Charleston debut incoming. 🌟
18-year-old American and World No. 20 Iva Jovic is headed to the 2026 Credit One Charleston Open. pic.twitter.com/uWJgVRdWck
— Credit One Charleston Open (@CharlestonOpen) February 19, 2026
Jovic signing up for Charleston is a big win for the tournament organizers
Given Jovic's rise has been one of the best stories at the start of the 2026 season and she is quickly establishing herself as one of the best American female tennis players, there is no doubt that the public will have a big interest in watching the teenage sensation's matches in Charleston.
Meanwhile, before making the Australian Open quarterfinal and breaking into the top-20, the 18-year-old also became a WTA champion in Guadalajara last September and finished as runner-up in Hobart this past January.
“I think focus is one of my strengths. I have a bit of hyper-focus, but honestly, I don't care too much what people think or say. I'm probably my biggest critic anyway. If I'm happy with myself, I know I'm doing pretty well because I raised the bar pretty high," Jovic explained after the Australian Open.
It would be quite something if Jovic went all the way in Charleston and landed her maiden WTA clay title in front of her home fans.
