Alex Eala appears on CBS Mornings, shares thoughts on US Open, praise and pressure

Filipino tennis star Alex Eala appeared on CBS Mornings and shared her thoughts on praises she has received, the pressure of representing a country, and the power of positivity.

Interviewed by Gayle King, Nate Burleson, and Norah O’Donnell after competing at the US Open in New York, Alex was asked how it felt to draw acclaim from tennis superstars like Venus Williams and Coco Gauff.

“I try not to look so much at the bigger picture all the time because I can get lost, and it can get overwhelming with a lot of emotions, especially with the support that I get,” Alex said.

“And, you know, being around these amazing peers that I have and sharing the stage with people I’ve looked up to — even Coco, even though she’s just a year older than me. I grew up alongside her, kind of, watching her on TV. And of course, Venus being a legend. To be able to share the stage with these people is amazing,” she added.

On how Filipinos have followed her every tournament and cheered from the stands, the World No. 18 was asked if she felt any burden.

“It definitely comes with pressure. But the life of a competitive athlete comes with pressure. And I think pressure is a privilege. I have never been able to relate to something more,” Alex said.

“Now, when I face high-pressure situations, I’m able to take it in my stride. And especially with the experience I’ve been gaining this year, I look forward to being in those situations. So this US Open has just been so great for me,” she added.

Alex beat American Mary Stoiana in the first round at the Louis Armstrong Stadium, 6-1, 6-2; and Ukrainian Oleksandra Oliynykova in the second round, 6-1, 6-4.

She bowed out at the Arthur Ashe Stadium following a three-hour classic, losing to her friend Iva Jovic, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, on Sunday.

Alex was asked what she hoped for the future of the sport in the Philippines.

“One thing I’ve learned this past year is really the power of representation and how deep of an effect inspiration can have,” Alex said.

“When I interact with the people who support me, and they tell me their stories, it really touches me. So, you know, I just hope that whatever I do, and the job that I have and my day-to-day work, inspires other people and inspires the youth especially to chase their dreams,” she added.

“And, you know, I’m here. I’m in New York. I’m competing in the US Open. I’m from Manila. And, you know, a dream is only a dream until it becomes a reality,” Alex said.

What does she tell herself when a match can go either way?

“I say that I can do it. And actually, there were a lot of points in my last match against Iva Jovic where I said I could do it, and I did it, which is great,” Alex said.

“Yes, positivity. I think once you go the negative route, at least in my experience, it does not normally go well. So I do try to be as positive as I can be,” she added. –NB, GMA News