Stojsavljevic was one of three British junior winners in New York on Thursday.
Rising British tennis talent Mika Stojsavljevic is unfazed by the challenge of taking on American third seed Iva Jovic in the US Open girls' semi-finals. The 15-year-old Brit advanced with a straight-sets win over Annika Penickova, securing her spot among the final four, alongside fellow Brit Mingge Xu in the girls' draw and Charlie Robertson in the boys'.
While Jovic, 16, is a strong favorite after an impressive run that included pushing Ekaterina Alexandrova to the brink in the women's main draw, Stojsavljevic is confident and excited about the match. “I played her before and lost, but that was a year ago,” Stojsavljevic told the PA news agency. “It’s not daunting at all. I think it’s an exciting challenge, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Stojsavljevic believes she is closing in on the senior circuit, although she recognizes that the timing is unpredictable. “Anything can happen—it could be next year or five years from now. But I’m working hard, and I know it will happen in due time,” she added.
Mingge Xu also shone in New York, winning a marathon battle against second seed Tyra Caterina Grant to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final. "I'm really pleased to be in my first Grand Slam semi-final. It’s a dream, but I’m staying grounded and taking it one match at a time,” Xu said.
There is the potential for an all-British final if Stojsavljevic and Xu both progress. The two have been close throughout the tournament, practicing together each morning. “It’s great to see her doing so well,” Xu said of Stojsavljevic. “Hopefully, we both make it to the final.”
In the boys’ draw, Charlie Robertson continued his strong run with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 win over Flynn Thomas, completing a successful day for British juniors at the US Open.
