Jovic relishes Arthur Ashe experience
The crowd may have largely been behind Alex Eala, but world No. 14 Iva Jovic managed to draw inspiration from the electric atmosphere at the historic Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 18-year-old American said simply sharing the sport’s biggest stage with Eala was already a special experience as she pulled off a 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 victory in their US Open Round of 32 clash last Sunday.
The win sent Jovic to the Last 16 of the final Grand Slam of the year, where she will face world No. 4 and fellow American Coco Gauff.
“I felt like that was kind of my first time, and this was a little bit of my second time, which was nice to have that experience. But that’s what you want,” Jovic said.
“I don’t care if they’re cheering for me or against me. I don’t care who they’re cheering for. There’s so many people there. It’s the biggest stadium in tennis, so I’m just really grateful to have been a part of it.”
Jovic has now defeated the 21-year-old Filipina three times in as many meetings — and on three different surfaces.
She first eliminated Eala in the opening round of the French Open on clay last May before beating her again at the Queen’s Club Championships on grass in June.
Her latest victory came on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, but the three-hour battle did little to affect the friendship between the two rising stars.
Jovic had nothing but admiration for Eala, one of her closest friends on the Women’s Tennis Association Tour.
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“I mean, right now, it’s crazy, I think, for both of us. But it says a lot about her as a person,” Jovic said.
“I’m going to start crying, but it says a lot about her as a person to be able to do that after that type of match and still come over and hug me and wish me all the best, and even in the locker room, behind closed doors.”
Eala echoed the sentiment, saying their friendship does not diminish their competitive spirit whenever they step on the court.
“I don’t think that being friends affects how much we fight on court or how badly we want it. But, yeah, I think it’s just part of having friends,” Eala said.
