Iva Jovic Earns Coco Gauff Showdown After Epic Against Eala
US Open
September 6, 2026
Iva Jovic claimed she almost lost her mind in a classic contest with Alexandra Eala.
That breathless description of her emotions might be a typical example of a teenager’s exaggeration – but maybe that’s the point.
Jovic is still only eighteen. And now she faces another American who hit the big-time as a teenager – Coco Gauff.
Iva Jovic and Coco Gauff are two young Americans lighting up tennis and sure to excite us at Wimbledon 2027 next summer.
For now, their showdown in the round-of-sixteen at the US Open on Monday is already capturing the imagination.
Gauff arrived in the second week serenely enough with a straight sets victory over Cristina Bucsa.
‘There are expectations, being American, and I want to do well in front of the fans,’ Coco said. ‘Last year I put so much pressure on myself. I’m enjoying the experience out here.’
But Jovic has no pressure to deal with whatsoever. She will go into the gladiatorial battle against her compatriot as the carefree underdog.
And at the moment, she is still riding the thrilling wave of that three-set victory over Eala.
Ominously, Iva was 2-4 down in the final set of her 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 victory over her friend and occasional doubles partner.
Jovic said later: ‘That felt like a marathon! And I felt like I lost my sanity five times over to win that match.’
This was drama befitting Arthur Ashe Stadium. It was Grand Slam tennis at its finest. A slugfest, a battle of wills between two fine protagonists.
Iva agreed: ‘That match and definitely the way it finished deserved that court. It literally took everything to somehow squeeze my way through that.’
Iva Jovic, Alexandra Eala and Coco Gauff will be ready to grace the historic Centre Court at Wimbledon 2027 as even greater players than they are now.
They all seem to be raising their game with every passing month. And the US Open showdown between Jovic and Gauff will be something we can all enjoy globally.
But there will be no more Flushing Meadows spotlight this year for poor Madison Kets, who squandered a 5-0 lead in the third set to lose to China’s Qinwen Zheng.
Meanwhile Amanda Anisimova also crashed out surprisingly, to Anastasia Potapova. These shocks are all part of the twists and turns of Grand Slam tennis.
Tennis creates psychological drama like no other sport. Will you be at the big one next year?
View the Wimbledon Debenture Holders ticket prices for every day of Wimbledon 2027 right here. These prestigious seats are like gold-dust, so get in early.
They give you superb views and exclusive access to the best restaurants and bars at the All England Club.