India, Sept. 6 -- The point started with a baseline brawl, both players hitting with pace and intent. And then Iva Jovic threw in a forehand slice that drew Alexandra Eala towards the net. The rally continued with Jovic hitting from the back and Eala, at the net, stretching to keep her volleys in play.

A volleyed winner finally ended the point in Eala's favour.

Through a majority of the exchange, the packed stands in the Arthur Ashe Stadium gave up on all semblance of tennis etiquette. When there was supposed to be silence, there was thunderous cheering. At the end of it, American Jovic and Filipino star Eala, smiling broadly, met at the net and high-fived each other.

This was in an exhibition match during the Fan Week at the Billie Je...