Alex Eala runs it back with ASB Classic partner Iva Jovic for Indian Wells Open doubles  

There’s something familiar waiting for Alex Eala at Indian Wells — not just the desert hard courts, but a trusted partner across the net.

The 20-year-old Filipina will once again link up with American teenager Iva Jovic for the doubles draw of the Indian Wells Open, rekindling a partnership that already carries a few memorable chapters. Their first test comes early: a first-round clash against Hailey Baptiste and Jelena Ostapenko scheduled Friday at 3 a.m. Philippine time.

There’s intrigue layered into the matchup. Both Baptiste and Ostapenko have previously fallen to Eala in singles — a reminder that while doubles chemistry matters, individual confidence travels too.

Eala and Jovic’s partnership first took shape at the ASB Classic earlier this season, where they surged to the semifinals before bowing out to Chinese veterans Xu Yifan and Yang Zhaoxuan.

Along the way, they authored a headline-grabbing upset — a straight-sets takedown of seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams and former world No. 3 Elina Svitolina in the Round of 16.

That win wasn’t just symbolic. It showed how quickly the two young players could sync — blending Eala’s steady baseline control with Jovic’s fearless net presence.

Currently ranked No. 105 in doubles, Eala pairs up with Jovic, who stands at No. 133, as both continue carving space for themselves in the WTA landscape. 

Indian Wells marks Eala’s third consecutive WTA 1000 appearance, further proof of her growing footprint on tour.

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BACK TOGETHER AGAIN

Alex Eala reunites with Iva Jovic for the 2026 Indian Wells doubles draw. Eala and Jovic played together earlier this season, reaching the semifinals of the ASB Classic in January.#AlexEala #IndianWells #TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/h8ajPXhp5w

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) March 4, 2026

Preparation has been deliberate. In the days leading up to the tournament, Eala was spotted training alongside top-tier players such as Diana Shnaider and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys — valuable reps as she balances doubles ambitions with a promising singles campaign.

In singles, Eala enters the BNP Paribas Open as the No. 31 seed, earning a first-round bye. She will begin her run in the Round of 64 against either Zhang Shuai or Dayana Yastremska, with the match projected for Saturday.

Should she advance, a high-profile rematch could await. World No. 4 Coco Gauff looms as a potential Round of 32 opponent — the same player who halted Eala’s breakthrough run in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships just two weeks ago.

For now, though, the focus splits between two courts and one reunion. In a sport often defined by constant movement and shifting alliances, Eala has found continuity — and at Indian Wells, she’ll try to turn familiarity into momentum once more.

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