“She Couldn’t Hold Back the Tears” — Alex Eala Breaks Down in Heartbreaking Scenes Away From the Court After Devastating US Open Loss, Leaving Fans Deeply Emotional
Alex Eala’s campaign at the 2026 US Open came to an end on Saturday night with a heartbreaking loss in the third round. The Filipina could not control her emotions afterwards, immediately breaking down in tears on her way out of the court.
Eala, seeded No. 17 in New York this year, lost the opening set 5-7 against close friend Iva Jovic on Saturday, but roared back to take the second 6-3 and force a decider. Then, she went up a break in the third set, but got broken twice to lose 5-7 once more.
Although Eala left the court with her head held high and amidst applause from the fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium, she broke down in tears in the players’ tunnel on the way to the locker room.
Alex Eala’s opponent Iva Jovic spoke about their battle in her post-match interview at the US Open, calling it a ‘marathon’ and joking that she lost her ‘sanity’ several times before she managed to get the win against the Filipina.
“I don’t even know what to say. That felt like a marathon. I felt like I lost my sanity five times over to win that match. But it’s really worth it for this feeling. I’m usually not one that shows that many emotions. But this one really meant a lot to me. It’s everything to have another match at the US Open,” Jovic said.
Jovic went on to thank the fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium for rallying behind her, commenting:
“I just tried to take my time in those moments and feel the energy, feel the crowd even though they weren’t always rooting for me. I love you guys. You gave me so much energy to just keep pushing and just leave everything on the court for the win.”
After beating Eala, Iva Jovic will next take on home favorite & fellow American Coco Gauff in the fourth round in New York
