ALEXANDRA “Alex” Eala turned emotional over the tremendous Filipino support she drew at the US Open in New York.
Eala ended her campaign in the third round after falling to American Iva Jovic, 5-7, 6-3, 5-7, at the Arthur Ashe Stadium Sunday morning in Manila.
“It’s indescribable to sum up the support and how it makes me feel in just a few words,” said Eala who got teary-eyed when asked about how she felt about the Filipino support in the post-match presser.
“It’s a real privilege to experience this in a lifetime. Playing on Arthur Ashe and feeling the support and being in those environments and learning these lessons and, you know, fighting and doing what I love.”
Before a capacity crowd in the 23-000 seater Arthur Ashe Stadium where Filipino fans holding their Philippine flaglets cheered for her, Eala fought hard, indeed, and even took a 4-2 lead in the third set.
Jovic found another gear, though, to deny Eala after a highly competitive 3-hour and 3-minute match to advance to the fourth round.
“I’m really happy,” said Eala of the Filipino support.
“I’m really lucky to have these opportunities, to have these people support me, and to be working hard, to be able to work hard, and to be able to live this life how I am living it.”
