Alex Eala confirms her next move after defeat to young American star Iva Jovic at US Open

ALEX EALA has revealed her next steps after suffering a gruelling loss to friend and rival Iva Jovic.

The Filipina phenom, 21, has become one of the game’s most followed names in recent months – thanks in part to a cult following from her compatriots.

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But their contingent in the packed crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium were disappointed as they watched American starlet Jovic end her tournament on Sunday.

The 18-year-old won the more than three-hour battle with Eala 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, before losing to Coco Gauff in straight sets in the fourth round.

Not keen to wallow in the defeat, Eala has already confirmed her next event – the Singapore Open.

The event, promoted this year from a WTA 250 to a WTA 500, will be held from September 21st to 27th, leaving Eala two weeks to recover from her US Open woes and get in a headspace to compete.

And she will have to be at the top of her game, with Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova and Mirra Andreeva just some of the major names set to compete at the Asian tournament.

She will then turn her attention to the Asian games, with the tennis event running from September 27th to October 3rd.

When asked if she would be attending the continental competition, held this year in Japan, she answered: “Yes, before that I believe I will be in Singapore.

“I love playing and competing with the Philippines team and in the SEA, the Asian Games I’ve also done, I think it’s a really fun environment, I love being with the team.”

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The non-WTA Tour tournaments, and their proximity to her home will be a good way for Eala to put her loss to close friend Jovic behind her.

The result took Jovic’s tally against her to a perfect three wins from three, but the weekend’s clash was by far the closest of their encounters so far in their blossoming rivalry.

Eala said after the contest: “I do think that I’ve grown as a player since the last time that we played each other and I definitely think that this match, I had my chances and I was able to kind of set myself up for some opportunities, which was great.

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“I’m happy with the match I think in general. Of course there is disappointment in losing, but yeah trying to see the positive side.

“I think it was a really good match, I think the level was really high, so yeah congrats to Iva for pushing through.”

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