Jovic: "This is more than a victory, the level has been spectacular"

Iva Jovic is not just the future of world tennis, but also the present. She has been breaking molds all season and working hard to show that she already belongs among the best in the world and can aim for great successes at just 18 years old. Her triumph over Alexandra Eala at the US Open 2026 was legendary, and the way she valued it in the press conference shows her maturity.

The future is now. Iva Jovic and Alexandra Eala honored tennis with an exciting battle between two young friends destined to conquer the world. It was the American who ultimately prevailed and secured a place in the round of 16 at the US Open 2026, where she will face Cori Gauff, but both agreed that the true winner of the night was tennis. It is worth reviewing the reflections of the American in the press conference.

This is what Iva Jovic said after defeating Eala at the US Open 2026

Jovic reflects on her victory over Eala

"Honestly, I don’t know what to think after this. I believe the level was absolutely incredible from both of us. We definitely put on a show, and it literally took everything to get through the match."

"I think Alexandra already has some experience in these kinds of scenarios because, with the size of her fan base, she needs to play on these courts; otherwise, all those people literally wouldn't fit."

"But I think, based on how the match ended, she deserved a court like that. As I said, I literally had to give it my all to carve my way through and pull it off. I said it before: I had to lose my earrings, fall literally flat on the ground, end up with cuts on my knees, and suffer mental breakdowns. It took absolutely everything."

"That's precisely what it took, but I believe I've learned a lot this year about managing matches. I've lost some very tough matches like this in previous Grand Slams, so I’m happy to have come through this one. I feel like I did some things better from a match management perspective."

"For me personally, this means more than a victory of 6-1 and 6-2, especially given the level we played at. I was literally looking at the stats right after finishing because I couldn’t believe what just happened."

"We both ended with a positive balance between winners and unforced errors, so the level was really, really high. That gives me a lot of confidence because I was able to beat someone who is likely playing top 5 level tennis right now after the summer she's had. It gives me a lot of confidence. I think if I can repeat a level like this, things can go very well."

The atmosphere in the stands and Eala's gesture after losing

The friendship between Jovic and Eala is very strong, and no one missed the lovely gesture from the Filipina at the end of the match, crossing to the opposite side of the court to sincerely congratulate the American. Jovic also talked about the wonderful atmosphere experienced during their duel in New York.

"I would say the experience was a bit more intense for her (smiles), because there was a lot of support on both sides, although probably a bit more toward my side."

"But I love it. Looking back, that exhibition was a really good learning experience for me. I'm very glad I played it because the atmosphere was practically the same. I felt that was my first experience in something like that, and this was a bit like a second, so it was nice to have that experience already."

"But this is what you want. I don’t care if the crowd cheers for me or against me, or even who they're cheering for. There were so many people there; it’s the biggest stadium in tennis, so I’m very grateful to have been part of something like this."

"I know it's a bit crazy for both of us right now, but it says a lot about her as a person. I'm about to cry, but her ability to do that after a match like this, to come over, hug me, and wish me all the best, even later in the locker room and behind closed doors, speaks volumes about her and her character. It's amazing."

What does Jovic expect from her next match with Gauff?

It will be more than just a match in the round of 16 of the US Open 2026 with the duel between Iva Jovic and Cori Gauff. The 18-year-old American knows very well what it will mean to face Coco in New York.

"Facing one of the best in the world in the second week of a Grand Slam is something I've always wanted. Obviously, Coco is playing quite well right now."

"The last time I played against her was a bit painful, and I had many opportunities. I hope to learn from that experience and replicate the level I showed here. I think if I can do that, I will definitely have my chances."

"Honestly, I think she played well in all the matches we've had, but tonight she played at an extraordinary level. She served very well and showed much more variety with her returns. It's clear she's been working very hard and has improved a lot. I have too."

"She’s playing, again, one of the best levels of tennis in the world right now. It definitely takes a huge effort to beat her at the moment."

A true blessing for tennis. Only in that way can Iva Jovic be considered, who made a strong statement about her potential with a tremendous victory over Alexandra Eala, keeping her dream of achieving something very important in the US Open 2026 alive.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Jovic: "Esto es más que una victoria, el nivel ha sido espectacular"