Iva Jovic Beats Peyton Stearns to Defend Guadalajara Open Title, Hits Profession-Excessive No. 13

Iva Jovic defeated fellow American Peyton Stearns 6-4, 6-2 in Saturday’s remaining to defend her Guadalajara Open Akron title, changing into the primary repeat singles champion within the event’s historical past, the WTA reported.

The 18-year-old Jovic didn’t drop a set all week, closing out the win in a single hour and 26 minutes. It was her second profession WTA singles title, each received in Guadalajara. The outcome will raise her to a career-high world rating of No. 13 when the PIF WTA Rankings replace Monday, in keeping with the WTA.

Jovic confronted no break factors within the remaining and transformed three of 5 break-point possibilities of her personal, successful 70 p.c of her service factors to Stearns’ 59 p.c, Field Level Media reported.

Speaking on court docket after the match, as rain interrupted the trophy ceremony, Jovic thanked the gang for staying.

“It’s amazing to be back here in the final with this beautiful trophy and this sombrero. I love it here. You guys have given me so much energy,” Jovic mentioned, in keeping with the WTA.

She additionally mirrored on her season.

“I’m just happy with the improvements I’ve made throughout the year. I think I’ve shown that I’m a more complete and better player,” Jovic mentioned.

Stearns, ranked No. 60 and enjoying in her fourth profession WTA remaining, congratulated Jovic through the ceremony.

“Clearly you love Guadalajara and Guadalajara loves you. Hopefully you keep coming back here,” Stearns mentioned, in keeping with Sunday Guardian Live.

Jovic beat three previous Mexican-soil champions — Zeynep Sonmez, Magdalena Frech and Cristina Bucsa — on her option to the ultimate earlier than ousting Stearns, the event’s 2026 Austin champion, the WTA mentioned. The title was Jovic’s fourth protection of a WTA occasion in 2026 and the third all-American remaining of the season on tour.