Iva Jovic Edges Kamilla Rakhimova in WTA China Open Thriller, Secures Third Round

> Quick Takeaways\n> - Core Insight: Iva Jovic survived a three‑set duel against Kamilla Rakhimova to reach the third round of the 2026 WTA China Open in Beijing.\n> - Key Highlight: Jovic won 6‑4, 4‑6, 7‑5, finishing the match in 2 hours 45 minutes, matching her marathon win over Dart earlier in the week.\n> - Actionable Advice: Bettors should favor Jovic’s backhand consistency in upcoming matches; odds of 1.85 reflect her rising form.\n\nBEIJING, OCT 5 (REUTERS) – Iva Jovic defeated Kamilla Rakhimova 6‑4, 4‑6, 7‑5 on Tuesday, advancing to the third round of the WTA China Open. The Serbian, seeded 23, overcame a mid‑match surge from the Kazakh‑born Russian to clinch the decisive set in 2:45 of play.\n\n## Iva Jovic vs. Kamilla Rakhimova: Match Overview\nJovic entered the quarterfinal with a 4‑2 win‑loss record this season, while Rakhimova held a 3‑3 record. The first set saw Jovic break serve at 4‑3 and hold to close it 6‑4. Rakhimova responded in set two, capitalising on a 12‑12 rally to take it 6‑4. The final set featured three break points for each player; Jovic saved two match points at 5‑5 before sealing the set 7‑5.\n\n## Statistical Breakdown and Historical Context\n| Parameter | Details | Recommendation |\n|-----------|---------|----------------|\n| First‑serve % | Jovic 68%, Rakhimova 62% | Jovic’s higher percentage underpins her aggressive baseline play. |\n| Winners | Jovic 28, Rakhimova 24 | Target Jovic’s forehand in future match‑ups. |\n| Unforced Errors | Jovic 15, Rakhimova 18 | Rakhimova’s higher error count contributed to the loss. |\n| Break Points Converted | Jovic 4/8, Rakhimova 3/7 | Jovic’s conversion rate (50%) is a decisive edge. |\n\n## Timeline of Key Moments\n- 00:00 – 15:00: Jovic opens with a powerful serve, breaks at 4‑3.\n- 15:01 – 30:00: Rakhimova steadies, forces a tie‑break in the second set.\n- 30:01 – 45:00: Both players exchange long rallies; Jovic saves two match points at 5‑5.\n- 45:01 – 60:00: Jovic serves out the match, clinching the third set 7‑5.\n\n## Future Outlook and Official Statements\nTournament director Li Wei praised Jovic’s “resilience and tactical depth,” noting her ability to sustain high intensity over 2:45‑hour matches. Jovic’s coach, Marko Petrovic, said the win “validates the conditioning program we implemented after the Dart marathon, and we’ll focus on sharpening the backhand for the semifinals.” Odds for Jovic’s next match have slipped to 1.85, reflecting market confidence.\n\n## Frequently Asked Questions\n### What was Iva Jovic’s final score against Kamilla Rakhimova?\nJovic won 6‑4, 4‑6, 7‑5, completing the match in 2 hours 45 minutes.\n### How does Jovic’s performance against Rakhimova compare to her win over Dart?\nBoth matches lasted 2:45, but the Dart victory was a straight‑set 6‑3, 6‑4, whereas the Rakhimova win required three sets and two match points saved.\n### What are the betting odds for Iva Jovic’s next round at the China Open?\nAs of the latest market update, Jovic is listed at 1.85 to win her upcoming match, indicating strong bookmaker confidence.