“How can we get more of this?”: Jim Courier proposes unusual change after Jovic-Eala battle
ATPMonday, 07 September 2026 at 23:30
Jim Courier was so impressed by Iva Jovic and Alex Eala's US Open battle that the former world No. 1 was left wondering whether tennis should experiment with one of the sport's most fundamental elements. Watching the two young stars trade huge groundstrokes and long rallies, Courier suggested an exhibition match where players would be asked to play without first serves.
The idea came after Jovic edged Eala 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 in one of the most entertaining women's matches of the tournament. The contest lasted more than three hours, featured 17 breaks of serve and repeatedly turned into a physical battle from the baseline.
Jovic eventually prevailed to reach the fourth round for the first time at the US Open, while Eala's impressive run came to an end. But the quality of the match left an impression on Courier and Lindsay Davenport, who were analysing the encounter for Tennis Channel.
Rather than focusing only on the result, Courier became fascinated by what happened once the serve was taken out of the equation. With both players moving exceptionally well and producing aggressive rallies, he wondered whether tennis could recreate that dynamic deliberately.
Courier wants to see tennis without first serves
Courier acknowledged that serving was one of the clearest areas both players could improve, but that weakness also helped produce the type of tennis he wanted to see more often.
“I think this is a really interesting match, because both of these players are so fantastic with their movement, and besides their serves, their games are amazing.”
That observation led Courier to a much more unusual suggestion. He stressed that he was not necessarily proposing a permanent rule change, but rather an exhibition or trial that could show what happens when players are forced to begin points without the advantage of a first serve.
“The first serve, for both of them, really do need to improve, and it got me thinking: this is the match of the tournament, and the women's side. Is this not an advertisement for, maybe, let's do an exhibition sometime, a trial, in eliminating first serves and see what happens?”
For Courier, the appeal was obvious. The Jovic-Eala match featured the kind of rallies that can sometimes disappear when elite servers dominate points from the opening shot. Both players were constantly moving, changing direction and trying to create openings rather than simply relying on serve-plus-one patterns.
“This tennis was incredible. Sometimes, especially in men's tennis, it can just be a serve fest, and it's a little less interesting, more target practice.”
The former US Open champion was particularly taken by the tactical and physical elements of the match. “This was strategy, this was athleticism and movement, all over the court. For me, it was, like, a light bulb went off. Like, this is amazing. How can we get more of this?”
Jovic and Eala show why the idea caught attention
There was plenty of evidence during the match for Courier's argument. Jovic and Eala combined for 17 breaks of serve — nine for the American and eight for the Filipina — during an epic battle that lasted more than three hours and was arguably the best women's match of the tournament so far at the US Open.
The match also felt like another step in a rivalry that could develop at the highest level over the next decade. Jovic and Eala are already inside the world's top 20 and both have the potential to climb further, with the game to establish themselves as top-10 players and genuine Grand Slam contenders in the years ahead.
Jovic is already into the quarterfinals for the second time at a Grand Slam and will now face Coco Gauff with a place in the semifinals at stake. The 18-year-old will be looking to break through that barrier for the first time, having already shown throughout her run in New York that she can compete with the best players in the draw.
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Jovic finished with 44 winners to Eala's 34, while the American produced 27 unforced errors compared with 33 from her opponent. Jovic also had the more powerful first serve, averaging 166 km/h compared with 139 km/h for Eala. Yet despite that difference, the match was defined by long exchanges, repeated break-point opportunities and momentum swings that turned it into a genuine rollercoaster.
For Eala, the defeat brought an end to another important stage in her rapid rise. The 21-year-old had reached the fourth round at Wimbledon before winning her first WTA singles title in Washington, and she arrived in New York as the No. 17 seed and one of the tournament's most closely watched young players.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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