Alex Eala has a score to settle before her US Open singles campaign even begins. The world No. 18 gets a rematch with Iva Jovic, the American who has beaten her in both of their meetings so far.
Two meetings, two losses
Eala and Jovic have met twice before, and Jovic took both: 6-4, 6-2 at the French Open first round in May, then 6-2, 6-2 at the Queen’s Club second round the following month. The rivalry has not spoiled their friendship, though. The two were even featured in a US Open video eating Filipino snacks.
What is the “Stars of the Open” exhibition?
The event features young stars from the WTA and ATP tours, with a portion of the ticket proceeds going to the USTA Foundation. For Eala, it is her final match before the singles main draw, which runs from August 30 to September 13. The exhibition lands on Thursday, August 27 New York time, which is Friday morning in the Philippines.
The full lineup of matches:
- Alex Eala (Philippines) vs Iva Jovic (USA)
- Amanda Anisimova vs Marta Kostyuk
- Flavio Cobolli vs Learner Tien
- Arthur Fils vs Alex Michelsen
Why the rematch could matter
The stakes may be bigger than an exhibition. Both Eala and Jovic are seeded in this US Open and could clash in the third round if they get past their first two matches. That would give Eala a ranked chance to flip a head-to-head that has not gone her way.
Eala heads into the week fresh off a mixed doubles exit with Felix Auger-Aliassime, and she remains the highest-ranked Southeast Asian in WTA history at No. 18.
