ALEX Eala said she takes pride in representing the Philippines as her growing success continues to draw strong support from Filipino fans at the US Open.
Speaking after her second-round victory at Louis Armstrong Stadium, Eala was asked when she realized she had the opportunity to represent an entire nation through her tennis career.
The 21-year-old Filipina said she believes every athlete represents something, whether it is their country, community or personal identity.
“I think, you know, everybody represents something in their own way,” Eala said.
Eala acknowledged the large Filipino contingent supporting her at the US Open and said she is proud to carry the Philippine flag wherever she competes.
“I’m Filipino and I proudly represent that and a lot of the crowd here today is Filipino and I’m sure they share in that sentiment,” she said.
She also recognized that other players carry their own national identities into competition, citing Americans and Ukrainians as examples.
“Like Americans or like Ukrainians, like Oleksandra who played so amazingly today,” Eala said, referring to her opponent, Oleksandra Oliynykova of Ukraine.
“So I think we all represent something and yeah, I’m proud of what I represent,” she added.
Eala has received overwhelming support from Filipino fans throughout her US Open campaign, with large crowds cheering her on at Flushing Meadows.
The No. 17 seed advanced to the third round after beating Oliynykova, 6-1, 6-4, following her opening-round win over American qualifier Mary Stoiana.
The victories have extended Eala’s impressive run at a Grand Slam where she continues to carry the hopes of Philippine tennis while establishing herself among the sport’s rising stars. (Adrian Co)
