Jovic Defeats Eala in Thrilling US Open Third-Round Battle

Key points

• Iva Jovic won the match 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 after over three hours of play.
• Jovic reached the US Open fourth round for the first time in her career.
• The match featured 44 winners by Jovic and 34 by Eala, with both players showing high-level defense.
• Jovic converted 9 of 17 break-point opportunities compared to Eala's 8 of 20.
• Jovic will face Coco Gauff in the next round, having previously lost to her in Rome.

Background

Alexandra Eala and Iva Jovic have developed a close friendship, often referred to as 'sisterhood,' since meeting in 2022. Their rivalry gained attention during the 2026 US Open, where they played an exhibition match before the tournament and were later scheduled to meet in the third round. Prior to this match, Eala had lost two head-to-head encounters against Jovic. The US Open 2026 also saw Coco Gauff advance to the fourth round, setting up a rematch with Jovic after their earlier meeting in Rome.

How outlets are covering it

Tennishead highlighted pre-match predictions from analysts Ajla Tomljanovic and Brad Gilbert, who both favored Jovic despite acknowledging Eala's strong fan support. The official US Open site emphasized the unique dynamic of two close friends competing on a major stage, noting the shift in modern tennis culture toward open friendships among rivals. WTA Tennis focused on the match's intensity and Jovic's emotional reaction to her historic victory, highlighting the physical toll and the grace shown by Eala in defeat. While Tennishead and the US Open site focused on the narrative and pre-match hype, WTA Tennis provided detailed statistical analysis of the match's conclusion.

Why it matters

Jovic's victory marks a significant milestone in her career, as she has never previously advanced past the second round at the US Open. The match showcased the rising prominence of young players like Jovic and Eala in women's tennis, with Jovic now set to face top-ranked player Coco Gauff. The result also underscores the growing trend of close friendships among professional athletes, challenging traditional rivalries in the sport.

What to watch

Iva Jovic will face Coco Gauff in the US Open fourth round. Gauff had earlier defeated Cristina Bucsa in straight sets to reach the same round. Jovic is looking to avenge her earlier loss to Gauff in Rome and aims to replicate her strong performance against Eala to secure a quarterfinal spot.