By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense tennis sensation Alex Eala is set for a familiar showdown in the opening round of the 2026 French Open after being paired against American teenager Iva Jovic at Roland Garros.

Tournament organizers recently finalized the women’s singles draw, setting up a first-round clash between Eala and Jovic, who had previously teamed up in doubles competition earlier this season.

The match marks Eala’s second appearance in the main draw of the clay-court Grand Slam in Paris.

The Filipina star made her Roland Garros debut last year but bowed out in the opening round against Colombia’s Emiliana Arango.

Despite their doubles’ partnership, Eala and Jovic have never faced each other in a singles match on the professional tour.

The two played together in Auckland earlier this year, where they advanced to the semifinals of the ASB Classic.

They also joined forces at Indian Wells and reached the Round of 32.

Jovic has continued her rise on the WTA Tour after reaching the Australian Open quarterfinals earlier this year.

The American currently sits at World’s No. 17.

Eala, meanwhile, enters the French Open ranked No. 38 in the world and is looking to improve on her previous campaign in Paris.

The winner of the Eala-Jovic encounter will advance to face either Emma Navarro or Indonesia’s Janice Tjen in the second round./ASC, WDJ