Eala fights back tears as she hails Filipino fans after US Open epic

Alexandra Eala fought back tears when asked about the Filipino fans who turned her US Open match into a football-like occasion at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Their support continued until the end, even as American teenager Iva Jovic won five of the final six games to claim a three-hour third-round battle, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5.

Eala, 21, and Jovic, 18, are close friends and occasional doubles partners. That friendship did not soften the contest. The two players traded fierce groundstrokes in a seesaw match that featured 17 breaks of serve, with both bringing their full range of shots to the court.

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It’s indescribable to summarise in a few words all the support I’ve received and how it makes me feel. It’s a real privilege to be able to experience something like this.

Jovic, the 14th seed, eventually ended Eala’s run. Eala entered the tournament after winning her first WTA title in Washington and reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon, where she stunned six-time major winner Iga Swiatek. Her performance in New York made her one of the tournament’s standout players, helped by the large following she attracts to every match.

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Playing at Arthur Ashe and feeling that support, being in those environments, and learning all these lessons, fighting and doing what I love... I am very happy. I am very lucky to have these opportunities, to have all these people supporting me, and to be able to work hard to live this life the way I am living it.

“It’s indescribable to summarise in a few words all the support I’ve received and how it makes me feel. It’s a real privilege to be able to experience something like this,” Eala said. “Playing at Arthur Ashe and feeling that support, being in those environments, and learning all these lessons, fighting and doing what I love... I am very happy. I am very lucky to have these opportunities, to have all these people supporting me, and to be able to work hard to live this life the way I am living it.”

The left-hander said she was happy with the match despite the defeat and praised Jovic for continuing to fight. “What I know for sure is that I left everything on the court,” Eala said. “I fought through the good and bad moments, even when there were times I wasn’t playing too well and others when I was playing really well. What I know is that I fought until the end, and I am happy with that.”

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What I know for sure is that I left everything on the court. I fought through the good and bad moments, even when there were times I wasn’t playing too well and others when I was playing really well. What I know is that I fought until the end, and I am happy with that.