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Eala Falls To Friend Iva Jovic In French Open Opener
Photo credit: WTA
Filipina tennis star Alex Eala saw her 2026 French Open singles campaign come to an early end after losing to American teen sensation Iva Jovic, 6-4, 6-2, in the first round at Roland Garros on Tuesday.
The matchup drew plenty of attention not only because both players are among the WTA Tour’s fastest-rising young stars, but also because Eala and Jovic had recently been doubles partners on tour. The two previously reached the semifinals of the ASB Classic in Auckland and also teamed up at Indian Wells earlier this season.
Jovic, currently ranked World No. 17, controlled much of the match with her aggressive baseline play and strong serving. She quickly built a 5-1 lead in the opening set before Eala fought back by winning three straight games to narrow the gap. However, the American regained momentum and closed out the set, then pulled away in the second behind a string of powerful winners.
The 18-year-old Jovic has continued her breakout season after reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open earlier this year and emerging as one of the WTA’s brightest young prospects.
Despite the loss, Eala’s 2026 campaign has still been viewed as another major leap forward for Philippine tennis. The 21-year-old entered Roland Garros ranked World No. 37, the highest ranking of her career so far, following strong runs in several WTA tournaments this season.
Eala is not yet done in Paris, as she remains scheduled to compete in the women’s doubles tournament alongside Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko.
For Filipino fans, the early singles exit may be disappointing, but Eala’s steady climb in the global rankings continues to cement her status as one of the biggest names in Philippine sports today.
The matchup drew plenty of attention not only because both players are among the WTA Tour’s fastest-rising young stars, but also because Eala and Jovic had recently been doubles partners on tour. The two previously reached the semifinals of the ASB Classic in Auckland and also teamed up at Indian Wells earlier this season.
Jovic, currently ranked World No. 17, controlled much of the match with her aggressive baseline play and strong serving. She quickly built a 5-1 lead in the opening set before Eala fought back by winning three straight games to narrow the gap. However, the American regained momentum and closed out the set, then pulled away in the second behind a string of powerful winners.
The 18-year-old Jovic has continued her breakout season after reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open earlier this year and emerging as one of the WTA’s brightest young prospects.
Despite the loss, Eala’s 2026 campaign has still been viewed as another major leap forward for Philippine tennis. The 21-year-old entered Roland Garros ranked World No. 37, the highest ranking of her career so far, following strong runs in several WTA tournaments this season.
Eala is not yet done in Paris, as she remains scheduled to compete in the women’s doubles tournament alongside Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko.
For Filipino fans, the early singles exit may be disappointing, but Eala’s steady climb in the global rankings continues to cement her status as one of the biggest names in Philippine sports today.
May 26, 2026
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