WHAT was supposed to be just an exhibition match turned into something more meaningful for Alex Eala, as she tested the waters against Iva Jovic, whom she was also bracketed with in the US Open women’s singles draw released earlier in the day.
READ: As 17th seed, Alex Eala battles qualifier in US Open opener
In the 2026 US Open’s Stars of the Open exhibition, American Jovic defeated the Filipina, 6-3, in a single-set match on Friday morning, Manila time.
It was the first time the two young players had stepped onto Arthur Ashe Stadium, with the fun exhibition also serving as their debut on the iconic court.
The match was far from a typical competitive affair. At certain points, Eala and Jovic invited kids onto the court to play, while their fathers also joined them for a few swings in a quick doubles match.
Eala and Jovic were one of four pairs featured in the Stars of the Open exhibition.
Despite the fan service nature of the match, Eala said it was a good opportunity to loosen up before things get serious, with the US Open main draw beginning on August 30.
“The atmosphere of the match, it’s a good exercise to switch back and forth between fun and locked in,” she said.
They go way back
The match also brought Eala back to her junior days, when she won the US Open girls’ singles title in 2022 and could only dream of one day returning to Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“When I played the juniors here, I was thinking when am I going to play here again, and there’s nobody I’d rather share the court with,” she said of Jovic, who then sang her praises in Tagalog.
“Alex, ang galing mo,” Jovic said.
The two are part of the same friendship circle and have been longtime friends on tour, making Friday’s exhibition a reunion of sorts on one of tennis’ biggest stages.
They could meet again with much more at stake. Eala and Jovic are on the same side of the draw and could face each other for the third time in their careers if both make it to the third round of the women’s singles.
Alex also got to sport her official Nike kit for the Grand Slam.
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