Competing against a close friend isn’t always easy. Given the individual nature of tennis, players frequently balance off-court friendships with on-court rivalries. Iva Jovic has, however, familiarized herself with the demands of the sport. Following her match against Alexandra Eala at the Queen’s Club on Wednesday, the teenager shared her perspective on their on-court and off-court dynamic.
Iva Jovic Beats Alexandra Eala at the Queen’s Club
After launching their pro-tour rivalry at the French Open, Jovic and Eala faced off for the second time in a month at the Queen’s Club Championships. While the American won their debut match with a 6-4, 6-2 score, she produced an even better performance in London, beating Eala 6-2 6-2 in the round of 16.
While talking to the press after beating the 21-year-old, Jovic said, “For me, it’s not that difficult when I play a friend. I think we’re all used to it at this point. We have had to do it for many years now.”
She clarified that the rivalry has not affected their relationship. “There is no bad blood. We were just talking in the locker room. It’s all good. We’re back to being friends now off the court.”
Jovic and Eala share a close friendship off the court. They often explore new cities together while competing around the world and go out for dinners with their peers. Both players are making strides on the WTA Tour, with Jovic placed at No. 19 in the rankings and Eala ranked No. 33.
The 18-year-old, however, wishes for more success for both. “I wish we could play at a later stage of the tournaments, so hopefully when both of our rankings go up, we will be on other sides of the brackets until semis or finals.”
Jovic also reminisced on her first encounter with Eala at the 2022 US Open, where the latter was crowned the girls’ singles champion. In that edition, Eala also partnered with Mirra Andreeva in doubles, beating the American pair of Jovic and Shannon Lam 6-2, 6-2.
“The first time I met her was the junior US Open, the year that she won it. I played doubles against her and Mirra, and we got killed. That was the first time I met her, and she’s been a very nice person ever since. Last year I got to know her much better,” she said.
MORE: Coco Gauff, Iva Jovic, and Others Send Love to Alexandra Eala After Her Birmingham Open Triumph
Alexandra Eala entered the Queen’s Club Championships after winning the WTA 125 Birmingham Classic. Following her exit, she plans to compete in Berlin, where she has received a last-minute wildcard. Iva Jovic, meanwhile, will contest the Queen’s Club quarterfinal against compatriot and last year’s finalist Amanda Anisimova on Friday.
