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Alex Eala fails to keep control in decider vs friend Jovic in US Open

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Philippines' Alexandra Eala hits a return to USA's Iva Jovic during their women's singles third round tennis match on day seven of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on September 5, 2026. (Photo by Leonardo MUNOZ / AFP)

Philippines’ Alexandra Eala hits a return to USA’s Iva Jovic during their women’s singles third round tennis match on day seven of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on September 5, 2026. (Photo by Leonardo MUNOZ / AFP)

Alex Eala took a seat at the table to again face the world media on Sunday, this time to do the losing player’s interview.

That pretty, baby face she once described as having ‘chubby cheeks’ tried very hard to put up that elegant smile. Those eyes, usually sun-bright, were a bit gloomy.

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She would later show how she felt in general during the tail-end of a press conference that didn’t even take six minutes—a mere speck of time compared to what she had to endure just minutes ago on the biggest US Open stage.

READ: Alex Eala on US Open loss to Iva Jovic: ‘I left everything out there’

“I think it’s just a part of life, having friends (you lose to),” Eala said after making a third round exit when good friend Iva Jovic rallied and showed the Filipina superstar the door with a 7-5, 6-3, 7-5 thriller of a win carved out in a more than three hours at Arthur Ashe in Flushing Meadows, New York.

“I don’t think being friends affects how much we fight, how bad we want it,” Eala said. “We’re professionals.”

There was evident dejection in Eala’s face when she stepped off the court to a standing ovation from a sell-out crowd that witnessed a classic between two rising talents, as television cameras followed her all the way to the corridors leading back to the locker room.

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She had her chances after all.

Eala had a break point to go 5-2 up in the third set, only for Jovic to fight back to forge a 4-all tie before the American came up with a finishing kick that left an entire country trying to find out what went wrong.

READ: Alex Eala mania heads to Singapore Tennis Open next

“It took everything (I had) to get through that,” the 18-year-old Jovic would later say. “From losing my earrings, falling flat out on the floor, (having) cuts on my knees, (a) mental breakdown. Literally everything.”

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“I honestly don’t know what to think after that,” she said. “The level (of play) was absolutely incredible from both sides.”

Jovic advanced to face fellow American Coco Gauff for a place in the quarterfinals. And having played to deafening roars in facing Eala two times this week—one in an exhibition—could certainly help her moving forward.

“That’s what you want,” Jovic said of the throng that has followed every Eala match. “I don’t care if they’re cheering for me, against me. I don’t care who they support, there’s so many people there.

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“It’s the biggest stadium in tennis, so I’m just really grateful to have been a part of it.”

It was heartrending defeat for the 21-year-old Filipino to take, as she was trying to replicate a fourth round appearance she had at Wimbledon after she bundled out defending champion Iga Swiatek.

READ: Alex Eala on upcoming Asian Games stint: ‘I love being with PH team’

“I had my chances, set myself up for some opportunities, which was great,” Eala said. “I am happy with the match. In general, there’s disappointment in losing, but on the positive side, the level (of play) was really high.”

The early exit still had its silver linings for the Filipino, who can improve on her world No. 18 ranking—still the highest achieved by any Southeast Asian—pending results of other players.

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“Congrats to Iva for pushing through,” said Eala, who showed genuine class when she crossed to Jovic’s side of the net to congratulate her friend after the smoke of the battle had cleared.

“What I have learned tonight I have yet to process,” Eala said. “But I left everything out there tonight, I fought. So I am happy with that.”

And then she showed her emotions.



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“It’s indescribable, the support. How it makes me feel. it’s a real privilege to experience this in a lifetime,” Eala said before slightly tearing up. “Playing on Arthur Ashe, feeling the support, learning these lessons, fighting and doing what I love. I’m really lucky to be able to work this hard and live this life.” INQ

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South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters Tips, Odds, Teams & Predictions – NRL Round 27 2026

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Allianz Stadium will play host to Friday’s
Round 27 NRL game between South Sydney Rabbitohs and
Sydney Roosters. The game kicks off at 8:00 pm with South Sydney Rabbitohs heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the South Sydney Rabbitohs vs.
Sydney Roosters
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday September 4, 2026 at 8:00 pm

Where: Allianz Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

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South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters Odds

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters Preview

South Sydney can secure a home elimination final against a dramatically reshaped Roosters side at Allianz Stadium. The Rabbitohs strengthened their position with a 42-22 victory over Gold Coast and welcome Latrell Mitchell into the starting centres, while Jye Gray takes over at fullback and Tallis Duncan is rested. Jai Arrow is listed at five-eighth for his 100th club appearance before Cody Walker’s anticipated interchange role. The Roosters are protecting numerous first-choice players ahead of their qualifying final, including James Tedesco, Daly Cherry-Evans, Reece Robson and Siua Wong, while Sam Walker remains sidelined by an ankle injury. Sydney won the Round 2 meeting 26-18 and has dominated much of the recent rivalry, but the scale of its selection changes gives South Sydney a clear opportunity to control possession and territory.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters Teams

Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 23. Jai Arrow 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Adam Elliott 13. Cameron Murray 6. Cody Walker 14. Matthew Dufty 15. Lachlan Hubner 16. Sean Keppie 17. Jamie Humphreys 18. Euan Aitken 19. Latrell Siegwalt 20. Liam Le Blanc 21. Talanoa Penitani 22. Peter Mamouzelos

Roosters team: 1. Cody Ramsey 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Fetalaiga Pauga 4. Tommy Talau 5. Rex Bassingthwaighte 6. Reece Foley 7. Toby Rodwell 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Salesi Foketi 12. Egan Butcher 13. Connor Watson 14. Tom Rodwell 15. Taylor Losalu 16. Delasalle Vaa 17. Aston Warwick 18. Jake Elliott 19. Hayden Barton 20. Lui Lee 21. Max McCathie 22. Nat Butcher

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Emmanuel King Celebrates El-Kanemi’s 3-0 Win, But Says ‘We Have Not Arrived

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El-Kanemi Warriors head coach, King Emmanuel, says his team still has a lot to improve despite their impressive 3-0 win over UDIB of Guinea-Bissau in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.

The Warriors secured a comfortable victory in Ikenne to put themselves in a strong position ahead of the return leg.

However, Coach Emmanuel King believes the team is still developing, noting that the current squad has been together for only about four weeks.

  • The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a decisive move by revealing the kick-off date for the qualifiers of the 2025 African Cup of NationsThe Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a decisive move by revealing the kick-off date for the qualifiers of the 2025 African Cup of Nations

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“We have not arrived at that point. We are still participating. But at the right time, when we get there, you will see,” Emmanuel said when asked about his satisfaction with the team’s performance.

The coach praised his players for their hard work since the squad was formed, especially their improvement in physical fitness.

He admitted that there is still plenty of work to do, despite the three-goal advantage.

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Emmanuel King said the result has increased his confidence that El-Kanemi Warriors can reach the next round.

He described the victory as giving him “higher hopes” and said the team now has the “key” to qualifying for the second round.

The coach also thanked Borno State Governor, Babagana Umar Zulum, for his support for the club.

He equally praised the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Poverty Alleviation and Youth Empowerment for his efforts towards the development of the team.

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With three goals separating the two sides, Emmanuel warned his players not to lose focus in the second leg.

He said the Warriors must finish the job and make their supporters happy after seeing what they achieved in the first meeting.

“We have seen what happened in the first leg, so we have no option but to go there and make our supporters happy,” he added.

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Kay Adams has lofty expectations for RB Omarion Hampton as Chargers improve their “makeshift” O-line

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Omarion Hampton is the starting running back for the Los Angeles Chargers. The North Carolina Tar Heels product is fresh off a solid but unspectacular rookie season and will look to contribute more to the team’s Super Bowl aspirations.

In a recent episode of her show, Kay Adams revealed her lofty expectations for Hampton as the Chargers have improved their previously makeshift offensive line.

“Give me Omarion Hampton, okay? He is huge,” said Adams on Sunday.

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“I actually had never met him in person, and I did. And he is so fast for how big he is, and he has the run game designs of Mike McDaniel in his absolute favor now, doesn’t he?

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“Let’s not forget he averaged 82 yards per game last year in what was an injury-ridden season behind an O-line that I’d describe as makeshift

“I just feel like this is a better situation, better O-line situation, better all the situations than any of those guys. He’s healthy. That’s what matters. I would easily say 1500 plus total yards this year for him.”

The Los Angeles Chargers revamped their offensive line for the 2026 season with numerous key free agents and rookies. It’s an improved unit on paper, with a fresh, athletic, zone-blocking scheme.

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Tyler Biadasz was brought in to anchor the interior, Cole Strange was added to improve the guard position, and Kayode Awosika steps in as a versatile option and projected starter on the interior. Furthermore, rookie Jake Slaughter was selected to compete and fit the agile blocking scheme. Trevor Penning and Alex Harkey are on the roster as depth pieces.

What’s next for Omarion Hampton?

The Los Angeles Chargers selected Omarion Hampton in the first round of last year’s draft. The versatile running back had an impressive collegiate career at North Carolina and was tipped to take the big leagues by storm.

However, injuries limited Hampton to a mere nine games (six starts) as a rookie. He did record a stat line of 124 carries for 545 rushing yards and four ground touchdowns, along with 32 receptions for 192 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Jim Harbaugh is known for running a heavy, physical, power-backfield system. Hampton, Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal tick those boxes ahead of a crucial campaign for the one-time NFL Coach of the Year. His philosophy aims to wear down defenses through dense blocking schemes, downhill running and high efficiency.

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Omarion Hampton enters his sophomore season healthy. He’ll look to put up a statement performance in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, September 13.