Eala keeps a smiling face after marathon loss at USO

Filipina breakout Alexandra Eala went down in a three-hour epice to Iva Jovic but maintained her sunny disposition even in defeat in the third round of the US Open.

Jovic, the 14th-ranked American, defeated No. 18 Eala 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 to set up a fourth-round test against countrywoman Coco Gauff.

Jovic erased a deficit in the third set to duplicate her fourth round showing at Wimbledon.

Crowd drawcard Eala took defeat in her stride against the teenager.

“I’m happy with the match; of course there is disappointment in losing, but trying to see the positive side, I think it was a really good match. The level was really high. So congrats to Iva for pushing through.”

Jovic, whose own local support was overwhelmed by Philippine love for Eala, converted on nine of 17 break points while losing her own serve eight times in the back-and-forth struggle.

“That felt like a marathon, and I felt like I lost my sanity five times over to win that match,” the winner said,

“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 here at the US Open.”

There were also night-time wins for former champion Naomi Osaka over Elise Mertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 and second seed Elena Rybakina, who defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva of Ukraine 7-6 (6), 6-3.

Men’s top seed Alexander Zverev drastically cut his workload after taking nine hours on court to win his previous two matches.

Just for a change, the world No. 2 German managed a straight-set win, taking a modest two and a half hours to dispatch Alejandro Tabilo 6-2, 7-6 (2), 6-2 and keep alive his hopes for a second Grand Slam title this season after winning Roland Garros.

“”Today was definitely much better than the last couple of days, I improved a lot from the baseline,” Zverev said. 

“I was not happy with the end of the second set. I lost focus a little bit. I was not moving as well. But the first and third sets were a big improvement to the other days.”

The seed now faces Italian Luciano Darderi for a quarter-final place. “Of course, the draw is not going to get easier. We have 16 players left in the tournament, so I’m expecting tough matches.

But I hope my form is also improving and I can show it on the court.”

Main photo:- Alexandra Eala lost in marathon three setter by ISF Ltd