Among the handmade signs displayed by young fans at the Guadalajara Open last week were a few hailing 18-year-old Iva Jovic as the “Future World No. 1.”

It’s a label the young U.S. star may now have to live with, after she won a second successive Guadalajara Open title last weekend, defeating fellow American Peyton Stearns 6-4, 6-2 in one hour and 26 minutes.

The tournament’s first-ever repeat champion did not drop a single set all week en route to her second career WTA Tour title.

“It’s amazing to be back here in the final with this beautiful trophy and this sombrero,” Jovic said during the trophy ceremony, which was briefly interrupted by a rain shower. “I love it here. You guys have given me so much energy. The crowd is my favorite thing about coming here.”

Stearns acknowledged her opponent’s connection to the city: “Clearly you love Guadalajara, and Guadalajara loves you,” she told Jovic.

The victory earned Jovic a check for US$185,500 and lifted her three places in the world rankings to a career-high 13th.