Down to Four: The Battle for the Final Begins

It’s been one heck of a week in Austin, Texas, and we’re down to our Final Four.

The Teenage Phenom
Iva Jovic has her eyes set on the inaugural AUSTIN125 trophy. After Thursday’s tight match, she brought the thunder in her quarterfinal match, defeating Mary Stoiana 6-0, 6-1.
Not one to rest on her success, Jovic hit the practice courts right after the match to fine- tune her game for the weekend’s action. She’s also been a familiar face at our VIP Lounge, joining fellow semifinalists Renata Zarazúa and Marina Stakusic in the spotlight.

It Wouldn’t Be Texas Without a Longhorn
It’s been a thrilling week for the Longhorns—and especially for Carmen Herea. The Romanian Texas sophomore stormed into the final four by taking down Texas alum Malaika Rapolu, who came into the match riding a scorching streak. In this all-Texas battle, it was the current Longhorn #1 who came out on top. Now, Herea faces a formidable challenge: Mexico’s #1, Zarazúa.

Mexican Ace
Zarazúa has had a phenomenal year, competing in all four Grand Slams and even notching a Top 10 win inside Arthur Ashe Stadium against Madison Keys. The Mexican standout has played on the sport’s grandest stages, including Rod Laver Arena, Philippe Chatrier Court, and Centre Court at Wimbledon. She’s now aiming to add another Fall WTA trophy to her collection—her first came in November 2023 and her second in Charleston last fall.

O Canada
Marina Stakusic, taking on the #1 seed Iva Jovic, was a key player in Canada’s 2023 Billie Jean King Cup victory and has stayed red-hot this season. She’s riding an eight-match win streak, having captured the W100 Guanajuato Open crown just last week. The 20-year-old continues to display the form and confidence that made her a national standout as she aims for the final here in Austin.