MANILA, Philippines — Labeled an underdog on paper, Alex Eala walks into her French Open first-round showdown with American Iva Jovic carrying something far more dangerous than rankings — belief.
Jovic, currently world No. 17, holds the statistical edge over the No. 38-ranked Eala and arrives with momentum after a quarterfinal finish at the Australian Open earlier this year.
In contrast, Eala’s campaign there ended abruptly in the opening round.
But numbers rarely tell Eala’s full story.
Time and again, the Filipina has thrived when the stakes are highest.
Eala has already proven she can topple the sport’s elite, owning victories over Grand Slam champions Iga Swiatek, Madison Keys, and Jelena Ostapenko. She has also taken down top-tier players like reigning French Open champion Coco Gauff and Jasmine Paolini — a resume that speaks louder than any seeding.
Against Jovic, Eala is expected to bring that same fire.
Adding intrigue to the clash is their off-court friendship — one that will be put on hold as both players chase a place in the second round. TMT
