Iva Jovic defeats Alexandra Eala at US Open to reach fourth round

Iva Jovic ⁠and Alexandra Eala put their friendship aside for three hours at the US Open on Saturday before the 18-year-old American prevailed to reach the fourth round.

The home hope’s 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 triumph at Arthur Ashe Stadium was a rare bright spot for the New York crowd, who had earlier watched China’s Zheng Qinwen overcome Madison Keys in stunning fashion.

On the brink of losing the third set 6-0, Zheng rallied to complete a remarkable 1-6, 7-6, 7-5 victory.

Jovic and Eala already shared the court in New York during Fan Week when they teamed up with their fathers for a light-hearted doubles hit.

There was little room for sentiment once the match began on Saturday, however.

Jovic edged a tight opening set, but Eala responded ⁠in the second, the 21-year-old raising her level to force a decider.