Jovic ‘Lost Her Sanity Five Times Over’ to Beat Eala and Set Up Gauff Clash

Iva Jovic said she “lost her sanity five times over” before defeating Alexandra Eala in a three-hour, three-minute US Open battle. The American 14th seed won five of the last six games to beat the Philippines’ 17th seed 7-5, 3-6, 7-5.

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That felt like a marathon and I felt like I lost my sanity five times over to win that match.

The match brought two of women’s tennis’ rising players to Arthur Ashe Stadium for the first time and turned into a contest of constant pressure. There were 17 service breaks in 33 games, including seven in the opening 11 games. Jovic and Eala are friends and occasional doubles partners, and their familiarity with each other’s games helped produce the intense exchange.

Jovic broke four times to take the first set, but Eala, a left-hander, broke her three times in the second. Eala then broke in the opening game of the deciding set. Jovic recovered by breaking back in the fourth game, then traded further breaks before leveling at 4-4 and breaking again in the final game.

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I'm usually not one that shows that many emotions but this one really meant a lot to me. It's everything to have another match here at the US Open.

A forehand winner gave Jovic match point, and Eala sent a forehand into the net to end the contest. Jovic, who reached this year’s Australian Open quarter-finals, said the match meant a great deal to her. She will now face compatriot Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open champion. “I’m going to be more than happy to just bring this fight and this energy and whatever happens I can leave with my head high,” Jovic said.

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I'm going to be more than happy to just bring this fight and this energy and whatever happens I can leave with my head high.