Alex Eala launched her U.S. Open campaign with a decisive 6-1, 6-2 victory over Mary Stoiana in the first round on Tuesday. The match, held at Louis Armstrong Stadium, showcased Eala's strong performance on court, amplified by a fervent display of support from fans, many waving Filipino flags and wearing custom shirts bearing her image.
Eala, who has experienced a rapid ascent in the tennis world, acknowledged the enthusiastic reception. "The support I’ve been getting the last couple of days here in New York and honestly, and to be frank everywhere around the world … MARAMING SALAMAT MGA KABABAYAN!" she stated, a phrase translating from Tagalog as "Thank you very much, my fellow countrymen." She also expressed gratitude to the community and tennis fans for making her feel "so loved" and contributing to the growth of women's tennis.
The 21-year-old's popularity has increasingly transcended the sport. Her presence has notably impacted event attendance and ticket sales. For her U.S. Open debut, ticket prices to see Eala were reportedly priced at $357, a significant outlier compared to other first-round matches. Organizers at the Toronto Open noted that tickets sold out within 30 minutes of her match time being announced, and over 80 percent of ticket requests in D.C. were related to Eala.
In the Philippines, where soccer, basketball, and boxing traditionally hold greater prominence, Eala is emerging as a significant sports icon, rivaling figures like Manny Pacquiao. Her achievements, including a 2022 U.S. Open girls' title and notable upsets against top players like Iga Swiatek and Elina Svitolina, have garnered national attention. Her victory at the DC Open, where she became the first Filipino to win a professional tennis title by defeating top-ranked players, even led to a reception with the country's president.
Eala's influence extends to high-profile events; she recently appeared with Serena Williams and Anna Wintour at an event honoring Roger Federer. Her impact is felt not only on the court but also in her role as a symbol of national pride for a country facing economic disparities. Eala has often spoken about her perspective on pressure, stating that the demands of her sport are less daunting than the daily struggles faced by Filipinos providing for their families.
During her first-round match against Stoiana, Eala maintained pressure from the baseline, employing a strategy that proved effective. Despite a lefty serve that is still developing, she successfully landed 65 percent of her first serves and won 78 percent of those points. She secured an early double break in the first set and went on to dominate. Although Stoiana managed to hold serve once, Eala maintained her advantage, fending off six break points in the second set to secure her victory and advance in the tournament.
