French qualifier Iva Jovic advanced to the semifinals of the WTA 500 Queen’s Club Championships after defeating 15th-seeded Amanda Anisimova in a three-set quarterfinal thriller on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Queen’s Club in London. The match, which concluded at 4:17 PM BST, marked Jovic’s first career WTA 500 quarterfinal appearance and showcased her resilience on grass courts.
Match Overview: Jovic’s Tactical Mastery Powers Victory
Jovic, ranked No. 127 in the world, secured a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win over Anisimova, the 2022 US Open finalist, in a 2-hour, 12-minute encounter. The Frenchwoman’s ability to adapt to Anisimova’s aggressive baseline play proved critical, particularly in the deciding set, where she broke her opponent’s serve twice to clinch the match. According to tournament officials, the match featured 14 combined aces and 32 total break points, with Jovic converting six of her eight opportunities.
Anisimova, who entered the tournament as a top-20 player, struggled with unforced errors in the second set, recording 28 compared to Jovic’s 14. The American, who reached the 2022 Wimbledon semifinals, said post-match that Jovic’s court coverage and net play posed significant challenges. “She’s really quick and reads the game well,” Anisimova told reporters. “I tried to attack, but she was always there to counter.”
Key Moments: A Rollercoaster of Momentum Shifts
The match featured multiple turning points, beginning with Jovic’s early break in the first set. The French qualifier capitalized on a double fault by Anisimova at 4-3, sealing the set with a cross-court backhand winner. However, Anisimova responded with intensity in the second set, breaking Jovic’s serve twice to take the set 6-3 and force a third.
The deciding set saw Jovic seize control with a crucial break at 3-3. A 12-minute game featured 15 rallies, culminating in Jovic’s forehand passing shot down the line. The breakthrough energized the Frenchwoman, who closed out the match with a forehand winner on her second match point. Tournament statistics highlight Jovic’s 72% first-serve percentage and 58% return win rate, both exceeding her career averages.
Player Profiles: Jovic’s Breakthrough and Anisimova’s Resilience
Iva Jovic, 22, has steadily climbed the WTA rankings in 2026, reaching a career-high No. 109 in May. Her victory over Anisimova marks a career milestone, extending her winning streak to five matches on grass courts. Jovic, who trains in Montpellier, France, credited her preparation for the surface. “I’ve been working on
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