ALEXANDRA Eala remained unfazed by suggestions that she is receiving preferential treatment after being assigned to play on Louis Armstrong Stadium ahead of some Grand Slam champions at the US Open.
The Filipina tennis star was asked about comments suggesting that the tournament was giving her special treatment by scheduling her match on one of the event’s bigger courts.
The No. 17 seed, however, said the decision was beyond her control and that her focus remains on performing regardless of where she is asked to play.
“I’m grateful to be on Armstrong and to play on such an incredible court,” Eala said in a post-game press conference.
“But yeah, I don’t control the scheduling. My job is to be prepared for whatever court they put me in and whoever I’m against,” she added.
Eala has played both of her first two singles matches at Louis Armstrong Stadium, the US Open’s second-largest court.
The Filipina has made the most of the opportunity, cruising past American qualifier Mary Stoiana, 6-1, 6-2, in the opening round before defeating Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova, 6-1, 6-4, to reach the third round.
Her strong showing has come amid heightened attention surrounding her breakthrough season, which includes her first WTA title and a rise into the world’s top 20.
Despite the growing spotlight, Eala continues to emphasize preparation and performance rather than factors outside her control as she pursues a deep run in the tournament. (Adrian Co)
