Lexus Ilkley Open 2025: 17-year-old Iva Jovic & reigning champion Rebecca Marino set for women’s singles final

17-year-old Jovic and reigning champion Marino will both be going in search of the biggest titles of their career in what is set to be a blockbuster final on Saturday.

Jovic put in an impressive display to knock out second seed Viktorija Golubic 6-0, 6-3 in an hour and 45 minutes – dropping just six points behind her first serve.

It’s the first time the American has managed to wrap up a straight sets victory in her four matches in Ilkley.

“It was a great match, I thought I did some good stuff. She’s a tricky opponent; she’s had some good results on the grass so I knew it would be tough.

“I stuck with my game and tried to be super aggressive in the second when it got close. It was only a couple of points that decided it and I’m glad to finally get a straight sets win.

“I love playing here, the grass is so beautiful and there’s a lot of people coming out to watch so it’s great energy.”

She’ll face a tough challenge in the final up against reigning champion Marino, who defeated 19-year-old Swiss star Celine Naef 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 in the semi-final.

The Canadian put in a dominant deciding set where she lost just two points on serve and broke twice to punch her ticket into the final.

Marino is on a nine-match win-streak at Ilkley and will be hoping to win her first title of the season this weekend.

“I’m super happy to make back-to-back finals here,” Marino said. “To come away with the win was super exciting for me. Obviously Ilkley has a really special place in my heart.

“It was a tough three set battle against a player who came through qualifying so I knew it was going to be a good challenge. I’m happy with the way I played and I’m excited for the final tomorrow against a young up-and-comer who has a great game.”

Lexus Ilkley Open final – Iva Jovic vs Rebecca Marino

Jovic is one of the brightest stars in the women’s game right now. The former junior world No.2 made her Grand Slam debut at last year’s US Open, where she defeated Magda Linette in the opening round, becoming the youngest American woman to record a main draw victory in Flushing Meadows since 2000.

In April this year, she won the biggest title of her young career at the W100 Charlottesville and will now go in pursuit of her maiden WTA 125 trophy in Saturday’s final.

Meanwhile, Marino is experienced on the pro tour and is coming off the back of her best season to date in 2024.

Last year she won four singles titles, including her first WTA 125 title in Midland, two W100 trophies in Ilkley and Irapuato and the W75+H Calgary.

This will be the first meeting between the two players.

How to watch the Lexus Ilkley Open finals

The women’s singles final at the Lexus Ilkley Open will be streamed live on our YouTube and website.

The men’s singles will be available to watch exclusively on Tennis Channel.