Jovic kicks off on his preferred surface

The 4th seed is arriving in Charleston for the first time, but she already knows green clay. On Har-Tru, she has a 75% win rate across all competitions, and her pre-tournament comments ring true — she likes the surface, finds it fast, close to what she’s used to on hard courts. Since the start of the season her level has exploded: final in Hobart, semis in Auckland, quarterfinal at the Australian Open against Sabalenka. Her game fits Har-Tru perfectly, which rewards her defensive qualities and court coverage exactly.

On the other side, Parks comes in with a solid first match already in her legs — 6 aces, 5 breaks converted against Stoiana — but her clay record speaks for itself: 37% career win rate on the surface, and a structural tendency to lose her way as soon as the rallies get longer. The two players have never faced each other on green clay before.

In perfect conditions this Wednesday on Daniel Island (24°C, clear skies, light coastal breeze), Jovic should handle things without any real scares. Parks can create danger if her serve is firing on all cylinders, but the odds of an upset remain pretty slim.