Why Alex Eala will get the last laugh over Iva Jovic after heartbreaking US Open loss
Former WTA #9 Andrea Petkovic has explained why Alex Eala will win against Iva Jovic in the long term - by beating the American to a Grand Slam title.
The German stated that Eala, given her older age, will win a Grand Slam title before Jovic does, just weeks after the American beat the 21-year-old in a three-set US Open blockbuster.
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‘Alex Eala will win a Grand Slam before Iva Jovic’ claims former WTA #9
Jovic later lost in the States to fellow American Coco Gauff, in a 1-6, 4-6 blow-out defeat. Gauff progressed to the semi-finals, where she fell to eventual champion Elena Rybakina.
Jovic is currently ranked as WTA #16, while Eala is positioned two spots behind as world #18. The American is merely 19 years of age, while the Filipina is two years her senior at 21.
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Despite her higher ranking, former WTA #9 Petkovic has claimed that Eala will beat Jovic to every WTA athlete’s dream — winning a Grand Slam title.
Speaking on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, she said: “I think both will win one, that’s important for me to state. [But] I think Eala will win one before, just because she is two years [older].
Despite her strong claim, Petkovic clarified her respect for the American, who she described as “maybe the most mature person I’ve ever spoken to.”
“I’m not picking her because I believe in her tennis more or less,” continued the German. “I just think the two years of maturity… I think it’s difficult to account for these two years that Eala has on her.
“Even though Iva Jovic is maybe the most mature person I’ve ever spoken to. It’s almost shocking when she opens her mouth. How this 55-year-old woman comes out of her, that’s gone through so much life experience,” Petkovic revealed.
The former WTA #9 then affirmed that, despite Jovic’s maturity, she is still two years behind Eala in both life experience, and tennis experience.
“[But she lacks] the extra bit of experience , the extra bit of having been in certain moments, the extra bit of life experience, not only experience in tournaments,” claimed the German.
Petkovic then ended the discussion on a lighter note, praising both Eala and Jovic for their tennis. “But honestly, who cares?” questioned the 39-year-old. “Because both of them are the future and present of women’s tennis.
“Both of them are so amazing to watch. Right now, women’s tennis is really in such a great place. It’s incredible. I’ve been waiting for this my whole life,” she concluded.
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What’s next for Alex Eala? Asian Games, Wuhan Open, and 2027 Grand Slams
Eala will represent the Philippines at the Asian Games this September, before moving onto the year’s final WTA 1000 event in Wuhan.
The 21-year-old won her first 500 Tour title in Washington, in 2026’s pre-US Open hardcourt swing, and could next achieve glory for the Philippines, then a 1000-level victory at the Wuhan Open in mid October.
According to Philstar Global, Eala is now confirmed to appear in Wuhan, having skipped the China Open — another WTA 1000 event — due to scheduling conflicts with the Asian Games.
Ahead of 2027, seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe recently hit out at Eala’s “liability” shot, claiming the 21-year-old must improve in this department to win a tennis Major.
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As always, the Filipina will have four opportunities, should she stay fit: the Australian and US Opens to begin and conclude 2027, and the Roland Garros-Wimbledon swing.
Kedar Bayley