ATP/WTA: Jovic joy, Rune in Davis Cup return

Jovic goes back-to-back in Mexico

This time last year, American prodigy Iva Jovic enjoyed a milestone week in Guadalajara, Mexico, with a maiden WTA title.

Fast forward a year, the rapidly evolving and improving teenager repeated the title triumph. The 18-year-old didn’t drop a set all week and defeated compatriot Peyton Stearns 6-4, 6-2, without facing a break point, to land the trophy (and sombrero!)

“It’s amazing to be back here in the final with this beautiful trophy and this sombrero. I love it here,” said a beaming Jovic.

"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.”

Those improvements have shone through in the 2026 Grand Slams. The teenager turned heads with a quarter-final spot in Melbourne, ahead of second week adventures at both Wimbledon and US Open.

As a result, Jovic climbs to a career-high ranking of No.13 on Monday.

Elite 8 booked in for Bologna

Over the weekend the remaining seven nations qualified for the Davis Cup Final 8, for the end-of-season national trophy hunt from November 24-29.

Hosts and reigning champions Italy will welcome Czechia to Bologna after Jiri Lehecka inspired a comeback from 1-2 down to defeat Team USA at this stage of the competition for the second year running.

Jakub Mensik defeated US Open finalist Ben Shelton 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 to level the clash in Prague, before world No.23 Lehecka sealed the deal 6-3, 7-5 versus American superstar Learner Tien.

"For me, as an individual, these two wins are super-important. I fought through tough moments but Davis Cup needs teamwork,” said Lehecka, who also dispatched Shelton earlier in the tie.  “I would not be able to play the last match if the rest of the work didn't work the way they worked. It is a team competition and this was a team effort, and that is more important than me being called a national hero."

US Open champion Alexander Zverev thrived during his Davis Cup homecoming, battling to victories over Croatia’s Matej Dodig and Dino Prizmic to fire Germany into the quarter-finals.

World No.5 Félix Auger-Aliassime was the talisman to guide Canada past France with a 3-1 scoreboard. ‘FAA,’ who won the Davis Cup in his national colours four years ago, went the distance to overcome Quentin Halys and then Arthur Rinderknech in Quebec City.

Across to South America and world No.14 Rafael Jodar capped his Spain debut with an emphatic 6-0, 6-2 triumph over Cristian Garin in their 4-0 success out in Chile.

South Korea secured a milestone maiden quarter-final spot courtesy of victories from Soonwoo Kwon and Hyeon Chung in a 3-1 duel with India.

Elsewhere an inspired Jurij Rodionov sent Austria past Belgium and Great Britain overcame Ecuador to book their spot in Bologna too.

Rune is well and truly back

It’s was 335 days since former world No.4 Holger Rune last competed in professional tennis.

The Dane, who ruptured his left Achilles tendon last October, has been going through the motions of a gruelling rehab.

It was all worth it, the joy was etched across his face with a cheek-to-cheek smile, as the 23-year-old chalked up two vital wins in the 3-2 World Group I passage past Bulgaria.

Rune overpowered Iliyan Radulov 6-3, 6-3 and then provided the platform for Denmark’s victory with a thrilling 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4) scoreline over former world No.3 Grigor Dimitrov.

“It really sucks getting injured, and I wouldn't wish anyone to have to go through this, but you do learn a lot from it,” revealed Rune.

"I also think I appreciate playing tennis more now. I appreciate the life I have more. I have a unique opportunity to make a living from my dream simply by playing tennis. That also makes you mentally stronger, because if this can't break me, then nothing can.

"If I can come back stronger from this, then I can handle anything. There are no opponents on the court who can be as difficult as what I've just been through."