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Iva Jovic news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Iva Jovic, seeded 14th, faces close friend Alexandra Eala in the US Open third round on Sept. 5. Their friendship adds emotional stakes to a high-level tennis clash.
Background
Iva Jovic, an 18-year-old American, and Alexandra Eala, a 21-year-old from the Philippines, are both rising tennis stars. They are close friends and have played an exhibition match together at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Jovic has won both of their previous professional meetings, and they are set to meet again in the third round of the US Open, a deeper stage in a Grand Slam than they've faced before.
How it unfolded
- Aug 2026Jovic and Eala play an exhibition match at Arthur Ashe Stadium during fan week, inviting their dads on court, which becomes a viral moment.
- Sep 1, 2026Jovic's first-round match against Magdalena Frech is disrupted by rain, with Jovic expressing frustration at the chair umpire.
- Sep 2, 2026Jovic defeats Magdalena Frech in the first round, winning 7-5, 6-3.
- Sep 3, 2026Jovic beats Francesca Jones in the second round, 6-4, 6-4, to advance to the third round.
- Sep 5, 2026Jovic is scheduled to face Alexandra Eala in the third round at Arthur Ashe Stadium night session, starting at 7 p.m. ET.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Jovic expressed excitement about the match, saying the atmosphere will be amazing and it's nice to play each other deeper into the Slam.
- Expert
- Brad Gilbert, former coach of Coco Gauff, analyzed Eala's game, noting she takes time away from opponents by getting inside the court.
- Public
- Eala praised Jovic as an amazing, talented, and intelligent player, acknowledging she has faced challenges against her this year.