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Alex Eala grateful for 'indescribable' Filipino support after US Open run ends
Wherever she went, Alexandra Eala never felt alone, even as she stood by herself on the court.
That was the same feeling she had throughout her US Open run, which ended with a third-round loss to her friend and rival Iva Jovic at the gigantic Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York.
Although she fell short, the 21-year-old Filipina beamed with gratitude for the opportunity to play at the world’s largest tennis arena and in front of her supporters, mostly from the Filipino community.
"It's indescribable to sum up the support and how it makes me feel in just a few words," Eala said in the post-game press conference.
"It's a real privilege to experience this in a lifetime of playing on Arthur Ashe and feeling the support and being in those environments and learning these lessons and fighting and doing what I love."
Alex Eala reflects on the journey, the lessons, and the community that means so much to her. 🇵🇭💙 pic.twitter.com/rtVpI5ezQA
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2026
Eala walked off the court emotionally after succumbing to Jovic, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, in a grueling battle that saw her squander a 4-2 lead in the deciding set, as the 18-year-old American won five of the final six games to complete the hard-fought victory.
What a night of tennis you gave us, Alex! 👏 pic.twitter.com/FMnwWwxcff
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2026
The loss marked Eala’s third in as many meetings against Jovic, dropping her to a 0-3 record in their head-to-head.
It also denied the Filipina bet a historic back-to-back fourth-round Grand Slam appearances after reaching the Round of 16 at Wimbledon.
Still, Eala cherished the moment of playing on one of tennis’ biggest stages as she now prepares for the Singapore Tennis Open and the Asian Games this month.
"I'm really happy. I'm really lucky to have these opportunities, to have these people support me and to be able to work hard and to be able to live this life how I am living it."
—JKC, GMA News
