Jovic Battles Past Bartunkova to reach first WTA final in Guadalajara

GUADALAJARA, Mexico: American teenager Iva Jovic booked her place in her first-ever WTA final after edging past Czech Nikola Bartunkova 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3 in a grueling Guadalajara Open semi-final on Saturday.

The 17-year-old world No. 73 made a flying start, racing to a 3-0 lead and comfortably taking the opening set. Bartunkova, 19, fought back in the second, holding her nerve in the tiebreak to level the match. But Jovic, showing maturity beyond her years, regained control in the deciding set to seal victory after nearly three hours on court.

Jovic will face Colombia’s Emiliana Arango in Sunday’s final. Arango, who has yet to win a WTA singles title, reached her second final of the year with a 6-4, 7-5 win over France’s Elsa Jacquemot.

Both Jovic and Arango will be chasing a maiden tour-level crown, setting the stage for a compelling showdown in Mexico.