World number four Coco Gauff says she "can't really empathise" with rising Filipino star Alexandra Eala because "she has more pressure than I do".

Alex Eala has now lost all three of her professional meetings with Iva Jovic, one of her closest friends on tour, and this one hurt the most. Eala still walked off Arthur Ashe Stadium smiling, but there was no hiding the disappointment.

Alex Eala’s night on Arthur Ashe offers perspective on a remarkable 17-month rise from world No. 140 to No. 18, a WTA title and a place among tennis’ Top 20.

Among those fans sat Tiu, holding up a poster with a Sampaguita, the Philippines’ national flower. Eala’s clothing sponsor, Nike, featured it on a visor at Wimbledon, where Eala announced herself to the wider sports world by beating defending champion Iga Świątek.

It was an emotional night for Alexandra Eala at the 2026 US Open, as the Filipina star received overwhelming support from the Filipino community during her third-round blockbuster against close friend Iva Jovic at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

On Saturday night, Alex Eala lost a hard-fought match against Iva Jovic in the third round of the 2026 US Open. The two friends had one of the best matches of the year, with Jovic prevailing 7-5,3-6,

MANILA, Philippines – Alexandra “Alex” Eala will not take home the US Open women’s singles title this year. She will also remain outside the top 10 female tennis players in the world. But for one week in the final major tournament of the year,

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala could face a fine and a zero-point ranking penalty if the Women’s Tennis Association does not grant her an exemption for skipping the China Open in Beijing to