Alex Eala came within a handful of games from another breakthrough performance at the US Open, only to fall to world No. 14 Iva Jovic of the United States in a grueling three-hour battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium Sunday (Manila time) in New York City.

The 18-year-old Jovic defeated the 21-year-old Eala anew, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, after winning five of the last six games to reach the fourth round, where fourth seed and fellow American Coco Gauff awaits.

The three-hour, three-minute thriller featured 17 service breaks in 33 games as the two rising stars traded momentum throughout, with Jovic admitting she was pushed to the limit by her good friend.

“That felt like a marathon and I felt like I lost my sanity five times over to win that match. But it’s really worth it for this feeling,” Jovic said.

Making her debut on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Eala battled back from a set down and appeared poised to push the match deeper into the deciding set before Jovic recovered late.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Eala remained satisfied with her campaign as she produced her best US Open finish.

“I had my chances. I’m happy with the match in general. Of course there is disappointment in losing, but trying to see the positive side. It was a really good match. The level was really high,” Eala said.

“I left everything out there. I fought through the ups and downs. What I know for a fact is that I fought so I’m happy with that.”

Eala had suffered first-round exits at the US Open and French Open before making the Last 16 at Wimbledon and advancing to the third round at Flushing Meadows this year.

Her familiarity with Jovic was evident from the start as the friends and occasional doubles partners combined for seven breaks in the opening 11 games.

Jovic broke four times to take the opening set, but Eala answered with three breaks of her own in the second to level the match.

The American eventually found a way through in the decider despite the physical and emotional toll of the contest.

Jovic had also beaten Eala at the French Open and Queen’s Club earlier this season, but the Filipina pride entered the US Open riding the confidence of her maiden WTA title at the Washington Open.

Jovic acknowledged just how difficult it was to get past Eala.

“We definitely put on a show and it literally took everything to get through that,” Jovic said, recalling losing her earrings, falling to the court and suffering cuts on her knees.

“She played at an outrageous level tonight. She’s playing some of the best tennis in the world right now, so it’s no doubt it takes a hell of an effort to beat her,” Jovic added.

Eala leaves New York with valuable lessons after stringing together victories over American qualifier Mary Stoiana, 6-1, 6-2, and world No. 46 Oleksandra Oliynykova of Ukraine, 6-1, 6-4, before her marathon with Jovic.

“With, I guess, this experience or the experiences that I’ve had this year, I’ve been put in so many situations and, I guess, so many firsts. With those situations come new lessons,” said Eala, who earned $290,000 or P18.1 million for reaching the third round.

“I learn about myself. I learn about how to act. I learn about what’s the best way for me to handle an obstacle. I learn about what effect my decisions have further down the line.”

More than the victories, however, Eala will carry with her the sight of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium filled with Filipino flags.