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Jovic vs Eala at US Open
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Iva Jovic beat Alex Eala 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 in a three-hour US Open third-round match. Jovic now faces Coco Gauff, extending her head-to-head lead over Eala to 3-0.
Background
Alex Eala and Iva Jovic, close friends and occasional doubles partners, met in the US Open third round on September 5, 2026. Eala, 21, was riding a career-best summer, including her first WTA title at the DC Open, while Jovic, 18, had reached her first Slam quarterfinal earlier in the year. Their friendship and contrasting styles made the match highly anticipated, with Jovic having won both prior professional meetings.
How it unfolded
- Sep 4, 2026Eala advanced to the third round by beating Oleksandra Oliynykova; Jovic had earlier defeated Magdalena Frech.
- Sep 5, 2026Jovic outlasted Eala 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 in a three-hour match, breaking Eala nine times and saving match point at 4-5 in the final set.
- Sep 6, 2026Jovic was moved to tears after the win, calling Eala 'incredible' and looking ahead to facing Coco Gauff in the fourth round.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- US Open official site predicted Eala would win in three sets, citing her 'serious summer surge'.
- Analysts
- The Athletic noted Jovic's speed and heavy ball as key advantages, while Eala's crafty angles and pressure could trouble Jovic.
- Public
- Fans and media highlighted the 'Ealamania' in the Philippines and the unique friendship between the two players.