Alex Eala came up short against friend Iva Jovic but gained valuable match experience in a one-set exhibition at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday, falling 6-3 in the “Stars of the Open” showcase ahead of the 2026 US Open.

The exhibition served as Eala’s final tuneup before she begins her campaign in the US Open main draw. Proceeds from the event will benefit the USTA Foundation.

Jovic took an early 2-0 lead before Eala settled into the match and eventually leveled the set at 3-3. The American then regained control, winning the final three games to claim the one-set victory.

The match also featured a lighter moment as Eala and Jovic invited their fathers onto the court for a quick game, adding to the celebratory atmosphere inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

For Eala, the result took a back seat to the opportunity to compete on one of tennis' biggest stages before the start of her Grand Slam campaign.

“It’s a great way to practice against a great opponent,” Eala said after the match. “It’s nice to let loose and have a little fun.”

Eala, seeded No. 17 in the US Open, heads into the tournament following a strong summer highlighted by her maiden WTA 500 title at the Mubadala DC Open and a career-high world ranking of No. 18.

She will now shift her focus to her opening-round match as she seeks to build on her recent success on the Grand Slam stage.