"I love it here": Jovic defends Guadalajara title, defeating Stearns 6-4, 6-2
Jovic, ranked 14th in the world at 18 years old, won the final in 1 hour and 26 minutes. She didn't face a single break point and served strongly, winning 70.2% of her service points compared to Stearns' 58.8%. Jovic also secured 41.2% of return points, outplaying Stearns' 29.8%, and won 61 of the 108 points played.
Her path to the final saw her win every match in straight sets. She defeated her friend Zeynep Sonmez 7-6 (5), 6-4, overcame Polish No. 7 seed Magdalena Frech 6-2, 6-1, and beat Spanish No. 6 seed Cristina Bucsa 6-4, 6-1.
This marks Jovic's second career WTA singles title, exactly one year after winning her first at the same tournament against Emiliana Arango.
“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. The crowd is my favorite thing about coming here, so thank you so much for being here,” Jovic shared. “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 than I was this time around last year.”
Stearns, ranked 55th, reached the final after victories over Emiliana Arango 6-3, 6-2, French No. 4 seed Diane Parry 6-2, 7-5, wildcard Sloane Stephens 7-6 (6), 6-4, and Russian No. 8 seed Liudmila Samsonova 7-6 (7), 6-2.
“Clearly you love Guadalajara and Guadalajara loves you. Hopefully you keep coming back here. Great week for me too. Super proud of myself,” Stearns commented.
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