Alex Eala finds positives in US Open loss to Iva Jovic: 'It was a really good match'

Alexandra “Alex” Eala fell to good friend Iva Jovic for the third time in her career, ending her US Open run in the third round with a 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 loss on Saturday (Sunday, Philippine time).

Despite the disappointment of losing to a friend, Eala believes she can take plenty of positives from a match in which she had her chances against Jovic.

“I do think that I've grown as a player since the last time that we played each other. I definitely think that this match, I had my chances and I was able to kind of set myself up for some opportunities, which was great. I think I'm happy with the match,” Eala said in a post-match conference.

“I think in general, of course, there s disappointment in losing. But trying to see the positive side, I think it was a really good match. I think the level was really high. So yeah, congrats to Iva for pushing through.”

Eala also does not believe their friendship had much of an effect on their battle on court.

“I don't think that being friends affects how much we fight on court, or how badly we want it.I think it's just a part of life, having friends, ad we're professionals, so that's it,” she said.

Eala will next play at the Singapore Tennis Open as she begins her Asian swing before heading to the Asian Games.

—JKC, GMA News