Jovic vs Krejčíková

WTA Cincinnati

Iva Jovic – Barbora Krejčíková

🧠 Form & Context

Iva Jovic

• 🌟 Teen breakthrough: At just 17, has already cracked the top 90 and owns wins over Nosková (No. 20) this week and Linette (No. 42) at the 2024 US Open.
• 🎯 Efficient in Cincy: Came in as a lucky loser but has looked sharp, beating Solana Sierra and dominating Nosková 6–3, 6–0.
• 🏆 2025 titles: Won W100 Charlottesville and WTA 125 Ilkley. Now owns seven main-draw WTA wins this year.
• 📈 Surface comfort: 12–5 on hard in 2025, with a consistent first-strike game and confident baseline play.

Barbora Krejčíková

• 🔄 Momentum building: Missed the first four months of 2025 with injury, arriving in Cincy with just 5 wins from 5 events. Now 2–0 here with victories over Alycia Parks and Elina Svitolina (first top-20 win of the season).
• 🎓 Proven champion: Former world No. 2, 2021 Roland Garros winner, and 2023 Wimbledon champion—thrives under pressure when fit.
• 🏟 Cincinnati record: QF in 2021, nothing beyond R1 in the last two editions until now.
• 💡 Recent match sharpness: Both wins this week came in three sets, showing fight but also that opponents have had opportunities.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Jovic’s fearless hitting and comfort on hard courts make her a dangerous opponent here, especially given Krejčíková’s still-recovering form and match fitness. The teenager will look to take the ball early and dictate from the baseline, forcing Krejčíková into defensive positions.

Krejčíková’s edge comes from her all-court versatility and superior variety—she can disrupt Jovic’s rhythm with slices, net approaches, and change of pace. However, if this becomes a pure hitting contest, Jovic’s clean ball-striking and fresh legs could tilt it her way.

The key battle will be on return: Jovic needs to attack second serves, while Krejčíková must extend rallies and use her tactical depth to wear the teenager down.

🔮 Prediction

Krejčíková’s experience and tactical adaptability make her the slight favorite, but Jovic’s form and confidence make this a live upset possibility—especially if she keeps points short and maintains her first-serve percentage.

Prediction: Krejčíková in 3 sets, but Jovic’s aggressive start could put her in early control.