Early Beginnings in Belgrade
At just 18 years old, Serbian prodigy Teodora Kostović has already positioned herself as one of the brightest young hopes in international tennis. Born in 2007, she quickly climbed from the junior circuit into the professional spotlight, where her fearless style and relentless competitiveness have started to attract global attention. Ranked inside the WTA Top 300 before even turning 19, she represents the next generation of Balkan talent ready to challenge the world stage.
Kostović’s journey began in Belgrade, where she picked up her first racket at the age of five. From the early days, her game was marked by aggression, powerful groundstrokes, and a strong mentality.
Junior Dominance
She quickly proved herself in the junior circuit, culminating in becoming the European U18 Champion in 2024. Her Grand Slam junior performances confirmed her potential: a third round at Roland-Garros, quarterfinals at Wimbledon and the US Open, and steady results at the Australian Open.
Breaking into the Professional Tour
Transitioning to the professional level, Kostović showed that she belongs. Early 2025 saw her entering WTA qualifying draws at prestigious tournaments such as Abu Dhabi and Miami, and later making her main draw debut at the WTA 1000 Madrid Open. Even when facing experienced top-100 players, she impressed with her composure and the ability to dictate rallies from the baseline.
Style of Play and Strengths
What makes Teodora particularly exciting is her balance of athleticism and intelligence. She plays with the confidence of someone beyond her years, mixing raw power with tactical awareness. Observers note her ability to adapt mid-match, an attribute rare among teenagers. Her strong serve and heavy forehand form the foundation of her game, but it is her relentless fighting spirit that separates her from peers.
What Lies Ahead
Looking ahead, the path is clear: sustained work on physical endurance, tournament experience, and gradual adaptation to the WTA rhythm will be crucial. But the signs are already there. The combination of junior dominance, early professional breakthroughs, and the mentality of a champion suggests that Teodora Kostović could soon become a regular fixture in the second weeks of Grand Slams.
For the Balkans, she is more than just another young tennis player. She represents a continuation of the region’s rich tradition of producing world-class champions. And for global tennis, she is a fresh reminder that the next wave of talent is already here.
Nextsportnews Youth & Sport will continue to follow Teodora’s journey as she transitions from a rising star into one of the defining players of her generation.
