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US Open Breakout Star Alexandra Eala Responds to Claims of ‘Special Treatment’

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Alexandra Eala reached the US Open's third round without dropping a set and will face her 18-year-old friend Iva Jovic, the world No. 14.
  • Her first two matches were held at Louis Armstrong Stadium, prompting criticism that the tournament favored her over former champion Iga Swiatek.
  • Eala said she felt grateful and honored to play there, but stressed that she does not control scheduling.

Alexandra Eala's rapid rise has made her one of the US Open's biggest attractions, but it has also brought questions about whether the 21-year-old Filipino has received preferential treatment.

Eala advanced through her first two matches without losing a set. In the third round, she will face her 18-year-old friend and home favorite Iva Jovic, who is ranked 14th in the world.

The scheduling controversy centers on the courts. Eala's first two matches were both played at Louis Armstrong Stadium, the second-largest venue at Flushing Meadows. Former US Open champion Iga Swiatek, by contrast, played her second-round match on Grandstand, the tournament's third-largest court. Critics said the arrangement showed disrespect toward a Grand Slam champion while giving Eala greater court priority.

I’m grateful and honored to be able to play at Armstrong, but the scheduling is not controlled by me. My job is to be prepared, no matter which court they put me on and no matter who my opponent is.

· Alexandra EalaEala responded to criticism that the US Open had given her preferential court scheduling.

Eala rejected the idea that she had sought special treatment. “I’m grateful and honored to be able to play at Armstrong, but the scheduling is not controlled by me. My job is to be prepared, no matter which court they put me on and no matter who my opponent is.”

Her popularity surged after she won the Washington Open last month for the first WTA title of her career. Ticket prices for her US Open matches rose, and organizers placed her on a larger court to accommodate the large crowds of Filipino fans. After her second-round victory, Eala also emphasized the support surrounding her: “I try to live my life with a positive and happy attitude. My family and friends have always surrounded me with love. I hope you can feel the same way, and feel love and happiness while watching the match.”

I try to live my life with a positive and happy attitude. My family and friends have always surrounded me with love. I hope you can feel the same way, and feel love and happiness while watching the match.

· Alexandra EalaShe spoke about maintaining a grounded outlook after winning her second-round match.
About this summary

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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