'Barangay New York' gives Alex Eala a home away from home at US Open

Facing a hometown bet, Alexandra "Alex" Eala made Louis Armstrong Stadium feel like her own backyard.

And Eala didn't do it alone with “Barangay New York” rallying behind her as the Filipina star cruised past American qualifier Mary Stoiana, 6-1, 6-2, in Flushing Meadows, New York.

READ MORE | Alex Eala overwhelms Mary Stoiana to reach US Open second round

Although she has already drawn huge crowds in her previous matches, the 21-year-old admitted she is still amazed by how fans—Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike—turn out to watch her play live.

"I think now I've experienced it a lot recently. And I think in terms of being professional, I've (started) compartmentalizing and finding my peace. I've definitely gotten a better rhythm at it. But it doesn't get old," Eala said in the post-game press conference.

"They still surprise me. Yes, they do."

Ranked No. 18 in the world and seeded No. 17 at the US Open, Eala was assigned to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center’s second-largest court amid growing demand from fans eager to watch her live.

And the Pinay hotshot didn't disappoint, completely dominating Stoiana to punch her second straight second-round appearance in the US Open, the same stage she became the first Filipina to win a Grand Slam match last year.

Eala credited the support she has been receiving from the fans, saying their presence not only fuels her on the court but also helps drive the growth of tennis as a whole.

"The support I've been getting the past couple of days here in New York and honestly everywhere around the world, maraming salamat," Eala added.

"I want to thank the community here in New York, the tennis fans who are not just from the Philippines, but who have been making me feel so loved and who are so enthusiastic and contributing to the growth of women's tennis."

Eala will next face Oleksandra Oliynykova in the second round.

—JMB, GMA news