Iva Jovic had just survived one of the toughest matches of her young career, but it was Alexandra Eala’s gesture at the net that left the American struggling to hold back her emotions. Jovic defeated her close friend Eala 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 in a third-round battle at the US Open 2026 on Saturday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The match lasted around three hours.
Despite the disappointment of falling just short, Eala walked around the net after the final point to hug Jovic and wish her well. The gesture continued in the locker room, where the two friends shared another emotional moment away from the cameras.
Asked about Eala’s decision to come over to her side of the net after such a physically and emotionally draining match, Jovic became visibly emotional.
Iva Jovic Gets Emotional While Praising Alexandra Eala
“It says a lot about her as a person. I’m gonna start crying,” Jovic said when asked about Eala’s gesture after the match.
“But it says a lot about her as a person to be able to do that after that type of match and still come over to hug me and wish me all the best.”
Jovic added that Eala showed the same warmth behind closed doors in the locker room.
“And even in the locker room behind closed doors.. so, that just says a lot about her and her character. Yeah, she’s incredible,” Jovic said.
The pair’s friendship has been well documented, but there was no room for sentiment once the match began. Jovic, the No. 14 seed, and No. 17 seed Eala traded heavy blows throughout the three-set contest, with neither player willing to give up ground.
Iva Jovic on Alex Eala walking to her side of the net to hug her after their match at U.S. Open, ‘That just says a lot about her & her character. Yeah, she’s incredible’
“Alex went over to the other side of the net to give you a hug afterwards. If you could share a bit about… pic.twitter.com/31ih4j6VFw
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 6, 2026
Iva Jovic Ready for Coco Gauff Battle
There will be little time for Jovic to dwell on the emotional win, with Gauff waiting in the last 16.
The fourth-seeded Gauff reached the fourth round for the fifth consecutive year after defeating Cristina Bucsa 6-3, 6-4. The upcoming meeting will put two young American stars on opposite sides of the net, with a quarterfinal place at stake.
Jovic knows the challenge will be tough, but she is embracing the opportunity rather than feeling overwhelmed by it.
“I’m gonna be more than happy to bring this fight and this energy… Whatever happens. Then I can leave with my head held high,” Jovic said.
“She’s playing some unbelievable tennis and is a really great person.”
Iva Jovic on facing Coco Gauff next at U.S. Open
“I’m gonna be more than happy to bring this fight and this energy… Whatever happens. Then I can leave with my head held high. She’s playing some unbelievable tennis and is a really great person.” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3nZi3BssX5
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 6, 2026
For Jovic, the match will be another major test after already reaching the Australian Open quarterfinals and the fourth round at Wimbledon and Roland Garros this season.
