Alex Eala ends 2026 US Open campaign after losing to Iva Jovic
Alex Eala's 2026 US Open campaign has come to an end after she came short of victory against Iva Jovic of the US in a thrilling three-hour match on Sunday, Sept. 6.
Held at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, the match saw Eala pushing Jovic to the limit but ultimately fell short, 5-7, 6-3, 5-7, in the third round of the Grand Slam.
The 21-year-old had chances to turn the match in her favor, but Jovic held her nerve in the deciding set to secure her spot in the fourth round.
In a post-match interview, Jovic said that her match with Eala "felt like a marathon."
"I felt like I lost my sanity five times over to win that match. But it's really worth it for this feeling. I'm usually not one that shows that many emotions, but this one really meant a lot to me, so it's everything to have another match here at the US Open," she said.
Eala and Jovic have fostered a closely watched rivalry with each other, having crossed paths both on and off the court.
They had already faced each other twice on the WTA Tour this year, with Jovic winning both encounters. She defeated Eala in the opening round of the French Open, 6-4, 6-2, before beating her again in the round of 16 at the Queen’s Club Championships, 6-2, 6-2.
Despite their rivalry on court, the pair share a friendship off it. Eala and Jovic have also teamed up in doubles, including at the 2022 US Open, where Eala won the junior singles title.
Jovic, who is World No. 14, is now set to face fellow American player Coco Gauff in the fourth round.
Gauff previously heaped praises on Eala for the way she handles the immense pressure of representing the Philippines on the international stage.
"She’s the first Filipino player to break a lot of the barriers… she’s doing similar things to what Manny Pacquiao is doing for her country," she said in an interview with the press.
"I definitely think she has more pressure, from the outside looking in, she has more pressure," she added.
Meanwhile, Eala is far from slowing down, as she is set to have an exhibition match with Indonesia's Janice Tjen in her homecoming event at the Philippine Arena in December.
