Alex Eala is getting another chance to play under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, and this time, it comes just days before the main draw of the 2026 US Open begins.
The Filipina tennis star is part of the lineup for Stars of the Open presented by Chase, a special exhibition event during US Open Fan Week in New York. Eala will face her friend and fellow rising star Iva Jovic of the United States in one of four singles exhibitions featuring some of the most exciting young players in tennis.
For Filipino fans, there is one important detail to remember: while the event is scheduled for August 27 in New York, it will already be August 28 in the Philippines.
And Eala isn’t playing the first match of the program, so Filipinos waking up early to watch her should not expect her to step onto the court exactly at 6:00 a.m.
Here is everything we know about Alex Eala at Stars of the Open 2026, including the Philippine schedule, her opponent Iva Jovic, the complete order of play, the unusual exhibition format, where to watch, and why this appearance is another significant moment in Eala’s remarkable rise.
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Alex Eala Stars of the Open 2026 Quick Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Stars of the Open presented by Chase |
| Date in New York | Thursday, August 27, 2026 |
| Event start | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| Philippine date | Friday, August 28, 2026 |
| Philippine event start | 6:00 a.m. |
| Venue | Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York |
| Alex Eala’s opponent | Iva Jovic of the United States |
| Eala match order | Third match |
| Format | One set, first to six games |
| Type of event | Exhibition during US Open Fan Week |
| Eala’s current WTA ranking | World No. 18 |
| Jovic’s current WTA ranking | World No. 14 |
The official US Open schedule confirms that Stars of the Open begins at 6:00 p.m. in New York on August 27 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
What Is Stars of the Open?
First, let’s clear up something that may confuse casual tennis fans.
Stars of the Open is not part of the official US Open women’s singles tournament.
It is an exhibition staged during US Open Fan Week, the series of activities held before the main singles draw begins.
The event has become a regular part of Fan Week and returns in 2026 for its fourth consecutive year. It brings together established stars and some of the game’s most popular young players for a lighter, fan-friendly night of tennis inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
There are no WTA ranking points at stake in Eala’s match against Jovic. It is separate from their official tour records and from Eala’s upcoming US Open singles campaign.
Still, calling it “just an exhibition” probably undersells what the appearance means.
Arthur Ashe Stadium is the largest tennis stadium in the world and the main court of the US Open. It is where many of the sport’s biggest matches and most memorable moments have taken place.
For Eala to be specifically selected as one of the players being promoted during one of Fan Week’s marquee events says a lot about how much her profile has grown internationally.
When Is Alex Eala Playing at Stars of the Open?
Stars of the Open begins Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in New York.
Because the Philippines is 12 hours ahead of New York during this time of year, that becomes Friday, August 28, 2026 at 6:00 a.m. Philippine Time.
However, this is important.
Alex Eala does NOT play at exactly 6:00 a.m.
The 6:00 a.m. Philippine time is the start of the entire Stars of the Open program.
Eala vs. Jovic is scheduled as the third match.
The official order of play is:
- Amanda Anisimova vs. Marta Kostyuk
- João Fonseca vs. Learner Tien
- Alexandra Eala vs. Iva Jovic
- Arthur Fils vs. Alex Michelsen
Each match consists of only one set, with the first player to six games winning, so the program should move considerably faster than a normal professional tennis match.
Still, there is no exact published start time for Eala’s match because it depends on how long the first two exhibitions take.
If you’re watching from the Philippines, the safest plan is to tune in from 6:00 a.m. onward and follow the first two matches.
Alex Eala vs. Iva Jovic: Friends Off Court, Rivals on Court
One of the reasons Eala vs. Jovic is an interesting choice for Stars of the Open is their relationship.
The two are good friends off the court, but that friendship disappears once they start competing.
The US Open itself has highlighted their friendship while promoting the exhibition, describing the two as Top 20 players who will be going head-to-head inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
There is also some unfinished business for Eala.
Jovic has won both of their previous official meetings.
Their first meeting: Roland Garros 2026
The two met in the opening round of the 2026 French Open, where Jovic defeated Eala:
Iva Jovic def. Alex Eala, 6-4, 6-2
The match lasted one hour and 40 minutes.
Their second meeting: Queen’s Club
They met again only a few weeks later on grass at the HSBC Championships in London.
Jovic won again:
Iva Jovic def. Alex Eala, 6-2, 6-2
This time, the American needed only 76 minutes to advance.
That gives Jovic a 2-0 official head-to-head record against Eala heading into Stars of the Open.
Of course, Friday’s meeting is only an exhibition, so even if Eala wins, it will not officially change that professional head-to-head record.
But you can imagine Eala would still enjoy finally getting a win over her friend.
Eala and Jovic Are Now Both Top 20 Players
What makes this matchup even more interesting is how quickly both players have climbed the rankings.
As of the August 24 WTA rankings:
- Iva Jovic is World No. 14
- Alex Eala is World No. 18
Eala reached a new career high of No. 18 after spending much of 2026 climbing steadily through the rankings. Jovic has also continued her rise and is currently one of the highest-ranked teenagers on the women’s tour.
So while Stars of the Open is an exhibition, this isn’t simply a showcase between two prospects who might become good someday.
They’re already among the Top 20 women’s singles players in the world.
Alex Eala Arrives in New York as a WTA Champion
There is another big difference between the Alex Eala who faced Jovic earlier in the year and the player arriving in New York now.
Eala is officially a WTA singles champion.
Earlier in August, she captured the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, defeating top seed Jessica Pegula in a dramatic final.
Eala lost the first set 4-6 and trailed in the second before turning the match around. She eventually defeated Pegula:
4-6, 6-4, 6-0
The victory made Eala the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA Tour singles title.
Think about that for a moment.
A few years ago, simply having a Filipino woman regularly playing WTA tournaments was historic.
Now Eala is:
- a WTA champion,
- ranked inside the world’s Top 20,
- competing at Grand Slams,
- being featured by the US Open,
- and playing showcase matches on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The progression has happened quickly.
Why Eala Was Chosen for Stars of the Open
The lineup tells you what kind of event the US Open is trying to create.
Stars of the Open isn’t simply putting random players together. The organizers have selected players who represent the next generation of international tennis stars.
Alongside Eala and Jovic are names such as João Fonseca, Learner Tien, Amanda Anisimova, Marta Kostyuk, Arthur Fils and Alex Michelsen.
The US Open specifically noted that Eala and Brazilian star Fonseca have the ability to attract large crowds, particularly from Filipino and Brazilian supporters.
And anyone who followed Eala’s matches over the past year has probably noticed this already.
Filipino flags have become a regular sight at her tournaments.
Whether she plays in Miami, London, Washington or New York, Filipino supporters find their way into the stands.
That kind of international following has value for tournaments, especially during an event like Fan Week that is designed around engaging spectators.
The Complete Stars of the Open 2026 Lineup
Here is a closer look at the four scheduled exhibition matches.
Amanda Anisimova vs. Marta Kostyuk
The night begins with two established WTA players.
Anisimova has become one of the leading American players on tour, while Ukraine’s Kostyuk has also established herself among the women’s elite.
João Fonseca vs. Learner Tien
This is another matchup between two of the most talked-about young men’s players.
Brazilian fans have quickly turned Fonseca into one of tennis’ biggest young attractions, while American Learner Tien has built his own reputation with impressive results against highly ranked opponents.
Alex Eala vs. Iva Jovic
This is the matchup Filipino fans will be waiting for.
Two friends.
Two Top 20 players.
Two of women’s tennis’ fastest-rising young stars.
And Jovic holds a 2-0 professional record against Eala.
Arthur Fils vs. Alex Michelsen
French star Arthur Fils and American Alex Michelsen close the program.
Both have already produced major results on the ATP Tour despite still being early in their careers.
The lineup gives fans a glimpse not only of today’s stars but potentially several players who could become regular contenders at the biggest tournaments over the coming years.
How Does the Stars of the Open Format Work?
Don’t expect a normal best-of-three-set tennis match.
The event is designed to move quickly.
Each matchup consists of one set, with the first player to six games winning.
That means Eala’s match could be over much faster than one of her normal WTA matches.
The shorter format also makes every game more important.
There isn’t much time to recover from a slow start. If one player gets an early break of serve and builds momentum, the match could move very quickly.
For spectators, that’s part of the appeal. Fans get to watch eight high-level players during one night instead of spending the entire program on one or two traditional matches.
Where to Watch Alex Eala’s Stars of the Open Match in the Philippines
The official US Open website says Stars of the Open will be shown on ESPN+ in the United States and distributed through the tournament’s international broadcast partners.
For the broader 2026 US Open coverage in the Philippines, SPOTV and SPOTV Now have been listed as viewing options.
Because Stars of the Open is an exhibition rather than a regular main-draw match, Filipino viewers should still check the latest SPOTV/SPOTV Now schedule before the event to confirm that the exhibition feed will be carried.
Philippine viewing reminder
Stars of the Open starts on Friday, August 28 at 6:00 a.m. Philippine Time.
Alex Eala vs. Iva Jovic is the third match of the program.
So don’t confuse the American date of August 27 with the date here in the Philippines.
Eala’s US Open Journey Has Already Started
Stars of the Open isn’t Eala’s first appearance in New York this week.
She already competed in the revamped US Open Mixed Doubles Championship, partnering Canada’s Félix Auger-Aliassime.
The pair faced husband-and-wife tennis stars Gaël Monfils and Elina Svitolina in the opening round.
Svitolina and Monfils eliminated the Eala-Auger-Aliassime pairing, ending their mixed doubles run.
But mixed doubles was only one part of Eala’s US Open schedule.
Stars of the Open comes next.
And after that comes the most important part.
Alex Eala’s US Open Women’s Singles Campaign Comes Next
The 2026 US Open women’s singles main draw begins on Sunday, August 30 in New York.
For Eala, this is the competition that matters most.
She arrives at Flushing Meadows in a much stronger position than she did one year ago.
At the 2025 US Open, Eala defeated Clara Tauson to become the first Filipino player in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam singles main-draw match.
Now she isn’t simply trying to prove she belongs.
She enters the 2026 tournament as a Top 20 player and WTA champion.
The expectations have changed.
Arthur Ashe Stadium Is Becoming Familiar Territory
There is also something fitting about Eala returning to the US Open spotlight.
New York already occupies an important place in her career.
Back in 2022, Eala won the US Open girls’ singles championship, becoming the first Filipino to win a junior Grand Slam singles title.
Then came her historic main-draw victory at the 2025 US Open.
And now, four years after that junior championship, she’s returning as one of the players the tournament itself is promoting as a major attraction.
The official US Open has described her as one of the biggest attractions at the 2026 tournament, pointing to the huge support she has received from Filipino tennis fans.
That may be one of the most interesting things about Eala’s rise.
Her achievements aren’t only creating Philippine tennis history anymore.
She’s becoming part of the international tennis conversation.
Is Alex Eala vs. Iva Jovic an Official US Open Match?
No.
This is an important distinction.
Eala vs. Jovic at Stars of the Open is an exhibition match.
It is not:
- a US Open women’s singles match,
- a WTA Tour match,
- or a match that awards ranking points.
That also means the result will not officially change their professional head-to-head record.
Jovic will remain 2-0 against Eala in official competition regardless of what happens during this exhibition.
Eala’s actual US Open singles campaign begins separately when the women’s main draw gets underway.
Why This Match Still Matters
If there are no ranking points and it doesn’t count toward the official US Open results, why should Filipino fans care?
Because Stars of the Open tells us something about where Alex Eala now stands in world tennis.
Tournaments don’t put every player in these showcase events.
They choose names that fans want to see.
They choose players they believe have star power.
They choose personalities capable of drawing supporters into Arthur Ashe Stadium during Fan Week.
And Alex Eala is now one of them.
Just a few years ago, Philippine tennis fans celebrated every step she made toward the main tour.
Today, we’re discussing a World No. 18 Filipina WTA champion being promoted as part of a marquee US Open event.
That’s quite a change.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Alex Eala playing in Stars of the Open 2026?
Stars of the Open takes place on August 27, 2026 in New York, which is August 28 in the Philippines.
What time is Alex Eala vs. Iva Jovic in the Philippines?
The event starts at 6:00 a.m. Philippine Time on Friday, August 28.
However, Eala vs. Jovic is the third match, so Eala will play sometime after the program begins. There is currently no exact individual match time.
Who is Alex Eala playing?
Eala will face American Iva Jovic.
What is Alex Eala’s ranking?
Eala is World No. 18 in the WTA singles rankings as of August 24, 2026.
What is Iva Jovic’s ranking?
Jovic is World No. 14.
Has Alex Eala beaten Iva Jovic before?
Not in an official professional match.
Jovic leads their head-to-head 2-0, winning at Roland Garros and Queen’s in 2026.
Is Stars of the Open part of the US Open?
It is part of US Open Fan Week, but the exhibition results are not part of the official US Open singles competition.
Where will Stars of the Open be held?
The event will be held inside Arthur Ashe Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.
Where can Filipinos watch Alex Eala?
US Open coverage in the Philippines is available through SPOTV and SPOTV Now. The exhibition’s specific international channel listing should still be checked before the event.
When does Alex Eala play in the US Open singles?
The 2026 US Open singles main draw begins August 30, 2026 in New York. Eala’s specific first-round schedule will depend on the official order of play.
Final Thoughts
Alex Eala’s appearance at Stars of the Open 2026 may not add ranking points or count toward her official US Open record, but it is another clear sign of how far her career has come.
She isn’t simply participating in the US Open anymore.
She’s becoming one of the players the tournament wants to put in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium.
And the matchup couldn’t be more interesting.
On one side is Iva Jovic, the World No. 14 who has already beaten Eala twice this season.
On the other is Alex Eala, now World No. 18, a WTA champion and a much more experienced player than she was when the two first met at Roland Garros.
They’re friends away from tennis.
But once they step onto Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday morning Philippine time, expect the competitive side to come out.
For Filipino fans, set the alarm.
Stars of the Open begins at 6:00 a.m. Philippine Time on Friday, August 28, with Alex Eala vs. Iva Jovic scheduled as the third match of the program.
And once this exhibition is finished, the bigger challenge begins.
The 2026 US Open women’s singles tournament is next.
