MANILA — Alexandra Eala is leaving New York with renewed confidence after producing her best US Open singles campaign yet, saying her narrow third-round defeat showed how much her game has progressed as she now shifts her focus to the Asian swing and the 2026 Asian Games.
The 17th-seeded Filipina pushed American Iva Jovic to the limit before bowing out, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, at Arthur Ashe Stadium, ending a run that carried Eala into the third round of the US Open for the first time.
Although Jovic extended her unbeaten record against Eala to three matches, the Filipina believes the latest encounter was evidence that she has closed the gap on her close friend and rival.
“I do think that I’ve grown as a player since the last time that we played each other. I definitely think that this match, I had my chances and I was able to kind of set myself up for some opportunities, which was great. I think I’m happy with the match,” Eala said.
Eala had opportunities to turn the match in her favor after recovering from the opening-set defeat to take the second set, 6-3.
She then seized a 4-2 advantage in the deciding set and appeared poised to extend her historic run, but Jovic fought back and eventually took the third set, 7-5.
While disappointed at letting the opportunity slip away, Eala said the quality of her performance gave her plenty of reasons to remain upbeat.
“I think in general, of course, there’s disappointment in losing. But trying to see the positive side, I think it was a really good match. I think the level was really high. So yeah, congrats to Iva for pushing through,” she said.
Eala reached the third round after opening her campaign with straight-set victories over American Mary Stoiana and Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova, marking her deepest US Open singles run to date.
Despite their friendship away from competition, Eala said neither player held back once they stepped onto the court.
“I don’t think that being friends affects how much we fight on court, or how badly we want it. I think it’s just a part of life, having friends, and we’re professionals, so that’s it,” Eala said.
With her US Open campaign over, Eala will now turn her attention to the Asian swing, beginning with the Singapore Tennis Open before heading to Japan for the 2026 Asian Games./PN
