Umpire at Alex Eala's US Open match vs. Stoiana asks crowd to keep voices down

The audience watching Alex Eala’s US Open match against Mary Stoiana at the Louis Armstrong Stadium got so loud towards the end of a rally that the chair umpire had to quiet the crowd.

It was in the fourth game of the first set, with Eala leading 15-0 and Stoiana serving, when the fans got loud as the Filipino rushed to the net to meet the American’s shot. Eala managed to hit the ball back, but Stoiana got the score with her return.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if you could please, out of respect for both the players, keep your voices down during play, that would be very much appreciated. Thank you,” umpire Marijana Veljovic said.

Eala has been drawing crowds at her tournaments, but the Filipino tennis star admitted that the atmosphere during her match against Stoiana was particularly loud.

While the crowd was reminded by the umpire to remain quiet during play, Eala said she has been learning to get used to playing in front of energetic crowds.

“It was my first time playing on one of the main stadiums here at the US Open, and it was very loud, especially when the roof is covered,” Eala said in a post-match press conference on Tuesday (Wednesday, Philippine time).

“So that's something that adds to the atmosphere, but it's also something you have to navigate,” the Filipina star added. –NB, GMA News