US Open: Iva Jovic sets up third round clash with Alex Eala

Alexandra “Alex” Eala defeated Oleksandra Oliynykova, 6-1, 6-4, to reach the third round of the US Open on Thursday (early Friday, Philippine time).

A few hours later, Eala's good friend Iva Jovic won her own match against Francesca Jones, 6-4, 6-4, to forge a clash with the Filipina tennis ace in the next round.

It won't be the first time the two have crossed paths in this year's US Open, with the pair facing off in the “Stars of the Open” exhibition match last week, which Jovic won 6-3.

READ MORE | Alex Eala falls short against Iva Jovic in US Open 'Stars of the Open' exhibition

The good friends have also faced each other on the court twice before, with Jovic holding the upper hand in both matches.

Jovic, the no. 14 seed in the tournament, defeated Eala, 6-4, 6-2, in the Round of 128 of the French Open last May and then again, 6-2, 6-2, in the Round of 16 of the HSBC Championships in June.

Eala will have the opportunity to earn some redemption with a place in the Round of 16 of a Grand Slam up for grabs.

—JMB, GMA News