Alex Eala has bowed out of the US Open following an epic battle with her close friend Iva Jovic.
Eala was praised for her conduct after suffering a 5-7, 6-3, 5-7 defeat in the third round of the Grand Slam, which is now into its second week.
New York’s Arthur Ashe Stadium played host to the thrilling US Open contest, which Jovic won after more than three hours of tennis.
Eala received a standing ovation as she walked off the court following the defeat, with WTA legend Monica Seles now sharing her verdict on the clash.
READ MORE: Alexandra Eala states how she wants to be remembered after her tennis career
Monica Seles didn’t want Alex Eala vs Iva Jovic to end
Posting on her Instagram story, nine-time Grand Slam champion Seles wrote: “Last night’s US Open match was on [fire emoji].
“The intensity in every single point was [hear-no-evil monkey emoji].
“I wish it was a 3 out of 5 set match as I didn’t want it to end.”
Fans inside Arthur Ashe Stadium would have been of the same opinion, with the WTA superstars having played out one of the best matches of the entire year.
Eala has since summarized her latest run at the US Open, while Jovic now meets fellow American Coco Gauff in the round of 16.
That will very likely be another blockbuster encounter, with Arthur Ashe Stadium once again set to play host.
How far will Coco Gauff go at the US Open?
Alex Eala and Iva Jovic exchange messages after US Open match
Given her close friendship with Jovic, Eala may just be keeping a close eye on that upcoming test against Gauff.
Before that, however, the two friends have exchanged messages on social media, with Jovic writing on her Instagram: “Gave absolutely everything last night.
“Insane atmosphere, insane level from Alex Eala, and a night I will always remember.
“Forever grateful that I am able to have these experiences.
“We keep fighting, 2nd week US Open.”
Replying to that post, Eala simply wrote: “Superwoman!”
Alexandra Eala will win __ WTA titles during her career
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But Eala has also shared a message of her own, writing on her Instagram: “Live for the chase.
“Immense gratitude for what I’ve been through this week.
“US Open ‘26, a forever kind of memory.”
Their latest meeting will indeed live long in the memory, but it could also represent the beginnings of an epic WTA rivalry.
There are already plenty of exciting rivalries ongoing within women’s tennis, often including Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka, but this could become the biggest in the near future given their exciting career trajectories.
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