Alex Eala falls short against Iva Jovic in US Open 'Stars of the Open' exhibition

August 28 ------ Alexandra “Alex” Eala fell short against her good friend Iva Jovic, 6-3, in the “Stars of the Open” exhibition match at the 2026 US Open on Thursday (Friday, Philippine time).

The one-set exhibition, whose proceeds will benefit the USTA Foundation, also served as a tune-up for both players ahead of the women’s singles tournament next week.

Jovic raced to a 2-0 lead before Eala got on the board in the fun but competitive match.

After the third game, a young player from the Harlem Jr. Tennis & Education Program also joined Eala and Jovic on the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

From there, the two players traded games until Jovic pulled away, 5-3.

After Jovic won the eighth game, both players’ fathers joined them on court, with Eala’s dad, Mike, getting in on the fun.

Jovic then won the final game to take the exhibition match.

“It’s been amazing. The stadium is packed, so electric,” Eala said in a mid-match interview. “It’s a great way to practice against a great opponent. Amazing court and it really gets the atmosphere of the match. I think with the way I approach these things is that I really focus on myself. It’s a good exercise to kind of switch back and forth to have fun and really lock in.”

Both players will now turn their attention to the women’s singles tournament, with Eala earning the No. 17 seed and Jovic the No. 14 seed.

Source: gmanetwork.com