By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Alex Eala suffered a first-round exit in the French Open women’s singles after falling to American Iva Jovic, 6-4, 6-2, in Paris, France on Tuesday night, May 26 (Philippine time).

Jovic, a former doubles partner of the Filipina tennis sensation, controlled the match from the baseline and capitalized on key opportunities to dispatch Eala in straight sets.

The American converted six of her nine break-point chances, while Eala managed only three breaks in nine opportunities.

Jovic also dominated in total points won, 72-53, and games won, 12-6.

Although Eala posted a higher first-serve percentage at 70 percent compared to Jovic’s 52 percent, the Filipina struggled to win points behind her serve.

She won only 45 percent of points on her first serve and 41 percent on her second serve.

Meanwhile, Jovic was more effective on both first and second serves, winning 70 percent and 54 percent, respectively.

The American also finished with 37 service points won against Eala’s 27 and claimed six service games compared to the Filipina’s three.

Eala had two aces and committed two double faults in the match, while Jovic fired three aces with four double faults.

Eala will still compete in the doubles event, where she and her partner Victoria Mboko will battle with Filipina-Canadian Leylah Fernandez and Diana Schnaider./ASC, WDJ