Why Alex Eala will come out on top after her tough loss to Iva Jovic at the US Open
Former WTA #9 Andrea Petkovic shared why she believes Alex Eala will eventually come out on top against Iva Jovic — by winning a Grand Slam title before her.
Even though the American Jovic recently beat the 21-year-old Filipina Eala in a thrilling three-set match at the US Open, Petkovic thinks Eala’s two extra years of age will give her the edge in the long run.
Jovic later lost to fellow American Coco Gauff, who advanced to the semi-finals before losing to the champion Elena Rybakina. Jovic is currently ranked WTA #16, while Eala sits just behind at #18. Jovic is 19 years old, and Eala is 21.
Petkovic explained on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, “I think both will win a Grand Slam, that’s important to say. But I believe Eala will get there first, mainly because she’s two years older.”
She also spoke highly of Jovic’s maturity, calling her “maybe the most mature person I’ve ever met.” But Petkovic feels those two years of extra life and tennis experience make a big difference for Eala.
“It’s hard to measure the value of those extra two years,” she said. “Even though Jovic is incredibly mature—almost like a 55-year-old with so much life behind her—Eala still has more experience both in life and on the court.”
Petkovic ended on a positive note, praising both players: “Honestly, it doesn’t matter who wins first because both are the future and present of women’s tennis. They’re amazing to watch, and women’s tennis is in such a great spot right now. I’ve been waiting for this my whole life.”
Eala is set to represent the Philippines at the Asian Games this September before competing at the Wuhan Open, a major WTA 1000 event. She won her first WTA 500 title in Washington during the 2026 US Open hardcourt season and could make even bigger strides in the coming months.
Despite skipping the China Open due to scheduling conflicts, Eala will appear in Wuhan, aiming for her first WTA 1000 victory.
Looking ahead to 2027, seven-time Grand Slam winner John McEnroe recently pointed out that Eala needs to improve her “liability” shot to win a major. If she stays healthy, she’ll have four chances next year: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.