American Iva Jovic moved into the third round of the Wuhan Open on Wednesday after a straight-sets win over Dayana Yastremska.
She also described how her second Asian Swing has given her a closer look at Chinese culture in both Beijing and Wuhan.
Jovic received a bye into the second round in Wuhan and then beat Yastremska 6-4, 6-1 to match her run to the Round of 16 at the event last year, when she entered as a qualifier.
She also improved on her Beijing result from 2025.
After losing her only match there last year, she won two matches in Beijing earlier this month before losing to Iga Swiatek in the Round of 16.
Cultural Discoveries Beyond the Court
Jovic said she used the trip to learn more about the country beyond tournament venues, including a visit to one of its best-known landmarks during her stay in Beijing.
"Fortunately enough, I had really nice tour guides in Beijing who took us to the [Great] Wall [of China], so I learned a lot," Jovic told reporters on Wednesday.
She said the capital offered more historical places than she could fit into her schedule.
Jovic added that one major site remained on her list during the Beijing stop.
"Obviously, Beijing is the capital. There are many historic things to see and do.
The Great Wall was something special. I wanted to go to the Forbidden City, but didn't have time," she said.
Her impressions shifted after arriving in Wuhan, where she pointed to a younger atmosphere and easier day-to-day communication.
Jovic noticed both cultural and environmental differences between the two cities.
"In my experience here in Wuhan, there's been more young people, which I think is because of the universities," she added.
"I learned there's the most universities here, so that's been really nice. And a lot of English, which I really appreciate.
Many people speak English here, so I really kind of feel very understood, which is nice."
Jovic will face Roland Garros runner-up Maja Chwalinska on Thursday in their first career meeting on the WTA Tour.
