16-Year-Old Ivan Ivanov: A Rising Star from the Nadal Academy, Ready to Conquer Tennis
The Bulgarian sensation claimed both the Wimbledon and US Open boys’ singles titles this year.
September 12, 2025
Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Ivanov celebrates his triumph at the US Open boys’ singles.
By ATP Staff
Rafael Nadal reached the zenith of the PIF ATP Rankings in August 2008, shortly after an iconic Wimbledon final against Roger Federer, often dubbed one of the greatest matches in tennis history. Remarkably, Ivan Ivanov was born just weeks later, in October of that year. Now, 16 years later, he’s training at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar and proudly holds the title of No. 1 in the ITF Junior Rankings, fresh from his remarkable wins at Wimbledon and the US Open.
With the weight of expectations on his shoulders as the junior World No. 1 and reigning Wimbledon champion, Ivanov showcased remarkable composure, snatching another Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows.
“It was incredibly challenging, that’s for sure. With all the eyes on you, the pressure builds,” Ivanov shared with ATPTour.com. “But I handled it effectively, and the results speak for themselves.”
Ivanov hails from a family without a tennis background. However, it was his father who sparked his journey by gifting him his first racquet, a moment that set everything in motion.
“I simply started playing. My first coach and I connected instantly, and the people around me fueled my passion for tennis,” Ivanov recalled. “I adored racquet sports from day one. Watching legends like Roger and Stan with my mom inspired me. They ignited a desire in me to try it for myself, and once I did, I fell in love with the sport.”
Now at 16, Ivanov looks up to seasoned players like Stan Wawrinka, 40, who remains active in the game, as well as fellow countryman Grigor Dimitrov and 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic, who captured his first Grand Slam title the same year Ivanov was born. Four years ago, Ivanov made the bold move to Spain to train at the prestigious Nadal academy.
“Leaving my parents and my mom was difficult, for sure,” Ivanov admitted. “However, I overcame the challenges, and their visits reassured me about my decision.”
He appreciates the exceptional coaching at the academy, where Nadal himself keeps tabs on his progress, even congratulating him after his US Open triumph.
“Everyone here is incredibly supportive,” Ivanov said, praising his main coach Jeremy Paisan. “I truly enjoy being at the academy and am thankful for the opportunities it offers.”
Huge congrats to Ivan on clinching the @Wimbledon & @usopen Junior 🏆!
Also, a big shoutout to the incredible team at @rnadalacademy! 👏🏻👏🏻 https://t.co/gqzkgK3Lw2
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 6, 2025
With his impressive feats, Ivanov becomes only the third boy this century to secure both the Wimbledon and US Open titles in the same year, joining the ranks of Dimitrov and Filip Peliwo. Ivanov fondly recalls meeting Dimitrov as a child in Sofia, where he received encouraging words that propelled him forward.
“He offered me thoughtful compliments about my game and some valuable advice,” Ivanov noted. “That truly motivated me to keep pushing.”
Balancing his competitive nature, Ivanov finds time to indulge in interests like golf, reading Jules Verne novels, and enjoying movies, expressing, “I prefer a calmer pace in my downtime.”
Yet on the court, Ivanov transforms into a fierce competitor, having surged as high as No. 795 in the PIF ATP Rankings. This week also marks his debut representing Bulgaria in the Davis Cup.
