"It says a lot about her as a person. I'm going to start crying" - Iva Jovic speaks highly of Alexandra Eala as prospering friendship replaced with revelling rivalry

There was a huge amount of hype and expectation surrounding the blockbuster third round match between Iva Jovic and Alexandra Eala at the US Open, and it most certainly delivered. Three hours of world class tennis ended with Jovic coming out on top 7-5, 3-6, 7-5. She spoke on her flourishing friendship with the Filipina and highlighted her opponents sporting nature on court.

After just edging the first set, Eala benefited from five consecutive breaks as she forced a decider. She led 4-2 in said set, but Jovic would up the ante. The only game Eala won from that point would see her save a match point, but it would not be heartache for Jovic who steamrolled into fourth round for the first time at the US Open, and the delight was clear to see.

Following the tremendous win, she struggled to muster up the right words to describe what an incredible occasion that was. "I honestly don't know what to think after that. I think the level was absolutely incredible from both sides," she stated in her press conference. "So we definitely put on a show, and it literally took everything to get through that."

Jovic was the headline act of day seven in the WTA draw. Here and Eala have already amassed a huge support group that passionately follow their young careers with a huge amount of excitement for what the future brings. That touted greatness mixed with their current class earned them a prime time spot on Arthur Ashe under the lights.

For Jovic at her home Grand Slam, it was a very special thing to be apart of, noting that it was something Eala had much more experience with. "Well, I would say she's had some experience on those types of stages, because with how big her fan base is, she needs to play on those courts, or else literally the amount of people won't fit," she admitted.

"But I think that match, definitely the way it finished, deserved that court. And yeah, as I said, it literally took everything to somehow squeeze my way through that."

To get to this point already in her tennis career, Jovic has been through a lot at a young age but it seems that is all paying off. "I said this earlier. It took losing my earrings, falling literally flat out on the floor, cuts on my knees, mental breakdowns. It took literally everything."

Along the way, she unearthed some valuable lessons. "So that is exactly what it took. But I think I've learned a lot over this year with match management. And I've lost a couple of tough ones like this in the Slams earlier in the year. So I'm happy to get this one under my belt. And I feel like I did some things better from the match-management perspective."

Just before the main draw, Jovic and Eala gave the fans a treat on Arthur Ashe as they played an exhibition there. This proved to be crucial for the American. "Well, I would say it was a little more for her. So, back and forth, but more back on my side. But I love it. And I think looking back, that exhibition was a really great learning experience for me. I'm really glad I played that, because it was pretty much the same atmosphere.

"So I felt like that was kind of my first time. And this was a little bit of my second time, which was nice to have that experience. But that's what you want. I don't care if they're cheering for me or against me. I don't care who they're cheering for. There's so many people there. It's the biggest stadium in tennis. So I'm just really grateful to have been a part of it."

A number of the young WTA talents share a close friendship away from the court, but Jovic and Eala have a very special bond that is one of the most prominent on the tour. They regularly hang out and communicate while also played doubles alongside each other.

Their friendship and levels of respect were clear to see. After three hours of gruelling tennis, Eala went to the other side of the court to give Jovic a hug. Recalling this made Jovic emotional.

"I mean, I know right now it's crazy, I think, for both of us. But it says a lot about her as a person. I'm going to start crying," she said. "But it says a lot about her as a person to be able to do that after that type of match and still come over and hug me and wish me all the best. And even in the locker room, behind closed doors. So that just says a lot about her and her character. So yeah, she's incredible."

The pair have clashed three times this year on three different surfaces, and all three have gone the way of Jovic. Following straight set wins at Roland Garros and Queen's, this was the tightest of the lot. Jovic did acknowledge that despite the wins, the Eala level was still very high in those trio of matches.

"I mean, honestly, I thought she played well in all the encounters that we've faced," she said. "But I think she played an outrageous level tonight. She was serving very well. She was showing a lot more versatility with her returns. You can tell that she's been working very hard and has improved a lot. And I have as well. But it was very close, very even. And she's playing, again, some of the best tennis in the world right now. So there's no doubt. It takes a hell of an effort to beat her right now."

Eala is one thing, having to face the World No.4 and former champion Coco Gauff is another. Following her title heroics in Cincinnati, the two-time Grand Slam winner has been almost flawless in New York.

Her title push is going from strength to strength, yet to drop a set against Zeynep Sonmez, Paula Badosa and Cristina Bucsa. However, that does not mean Jovic will be a walkover as the teenage sensation previews their last-16 clash.

"I mean, this is what you want," Jovic added. "Week two in the Slams, you're playing one of the best players in the world. Obviously, she's playing quite well right now."

They have played each other just once, coming in the last-16 of the Rome Open. Jovic described it as a heartbreaker, and for good reason. After taking the first set, Jovic missed a match point when serving it out as Gauff completed a characteristic comeback. This time around, Jovic is desperate for revenge.

"But last time I played her, it was a little bit of a heartbreaker. And I had a lot of chances. So hopefully I can learn from that and replicate [this performance]. I think if I replicate this level, I'm definitely going to have my chances in that one."