Alex Eala’s French Open woes continue in loss to good friend Iva Jovic

MANILA, Philippines – The red clay of Roland Garros remains a tough surface for Alex Eala. 

Eala, who turned 21 over the weekend, fell victim to her good friend and occasional doubles partner Iva Jovic of the United States, 6-4, 6-2, in the first round as she bowed out of the 2026 French Open on Tuesday, May 26.

Eala dropped to 4-6 in clay matches this year. In 2025, she also crashed out of the opening round of the calendar’s second Grand Slam following a 0-6, 6-2, 3-6 loss to Colombia’s Emiliana Arango.

“I feel definitely prepared more than last year. I think I have improved a lot on this surface,” Eala said in a press conference before the tournament. 

“Of course, I have such a long way to go, but I think I’ve improved a lot in the past year as a player, and it’s really helped me manage the challenges that come with the surface for me… I’m happy. And nothing on the line, nothing to lose,” she said.

World No. 37 Eala had a slow start but pulled within striking distance of Jovic, 4-5. However, the Filipino bungled late and dropped the first set. 

After a 2-2 deadlock in the second set, Jovic took over, controlling the tempo of the match and sweeping the next four games to wrap it up in 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Jovic will face fellow American Emma Navarro, who defeated Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, 6-4, 6-3.

Eala’s French Open campaign continues as she teams up with Canada’s Victoria Mboko in the doubles competition, where they will face Canada’s Leylah Fernandez and Russia’s Diana Shnaider on Wednesday, May 27. – Rappler.com