Jovic moved to tears after beating ‘incredible’ friend Eala in US Open epic

What the report says

American teenager Iva Jovic reached the US Open round of 16 after defeating Alexandra Eala of the Philippines in a three-set match that Al Jazeera described as a three-hour thriller in New York on Saturday, September 5, 2026. Jovic, the 14th seed, won 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 and will next face fellow American Coco Gauff, the fourth seed and a former US Open champion.

The match featured two of the sport’s rising players, both still early in their careers and familiar with each other from previous meetings and occasional doubles play. Al Jazeera reported that the contest included 17 service breaks across 33 games, with Jovic saying both players delivered a high level and that the finish belonged on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

After the match, Jovic was emotional when discussing Eala’s decision to come over and congratulate her, saying it reflected Eala’s character. Eala also said she had chances and was proud of the effort she gave. The result adds to Jovic’s growing profile after she won her first WTA title last year, while Eala has also been building momentum this season. Their meeting highlighted the depth of the next generation in women’s tennis and the intensity of early-round Grand Slam play.