Alex Eala, Iva Jovic share court with dads in US Open exhibition
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MANILA – Alex Eala fell 6-3 to close friend Iva Jovic in the Stars of the Open exhibition on Aug 27, but both enjoyed a lighthearted tune-up ahead of the US Open.
Towards the end of the match, the two rising stars brought their fathers onto the court for a brief mixed doubles match, ending the exhibition with a heartwarming moment and a hug with their dads.
Eala and Jovic also exchanged messages in their native languages, addressing the crowd at a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows.
Eala fought back from a 0-2 deficit to tie the one-set match at 3-all, but Jovic won the final three games to finish the exhibition in less than an hour.
Jovic has now beaten Eala three times in 2026, including at the French Open and HSBC Championships.
Proceeds from Stars of the Open will go to the USTA Foundation.
Eala, seeded 17th in the US Open, will face a qualifier in the first round. Should she advance, she will meet the winner between Oleksandra Oliynykova and wildcard Reese Brantmeier.
Eala could face 14th seed Jovic in the third round. The American opens against Magdalena Fręch, with the winner facing Magda Linette or another qualifier in the second round. PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER/ASIA NEWS NETWORK