Alex Eala embraces process of enjoying for one thing ‘greater than myself’

‘I am so blessed to be the primary to do that,’ says Alex Eala as she claims a historic win for the Philippines in a Grand Slam predominant draw following her first-round win within the US Open

NEW YORK, USA – Alexandra Eala turned the primary Filipino participant to win a predominant draw match at a Grand Slam within the skilled period, as she beat 14th seed Clara Tauson in a gap spherical upset on the US Open on Sunday, August 24 (Monday, August 25, Manila time).

Eala burst into tears amid raucous help from the Grandstand crowd as she produced a surprising comeback from 5-1 down within the third set to beat the Dane, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (11), after Tauson had twice served for the match.

“It means loads, I feel you could possibly see by my response,” Eala advised reporters.

“The whole lot simply made it so particular – from who I used to be enjoying to the gang, it was superb. I’m so blessed to be the primary to do that. I take a lot satisfaction in representing my nation.”

“I’m so blessed to be the primary to do that. It makes what I do greater than myself, and it provides that means to what I do.”

The 20-year-old is not any stranger to huge moments at Flushing Meadows, having made historical past in 2022 as the primary Filipino to win a junior Grand Slam singles title.

The historic day for Southeast Asia was sweetened by Janice Tjen, who turned the primary Indonesian in 22 years to win a match at a significant. Tjen beat twenty fourth seed Veronika Kudermetova, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, and can face Britain’s Emma Raducanu within the second spherical.

“I really feel proud to have the ability to do that for my nation,” Tjen mentioned. “Hopefully like this, by me making look right here, will encourage extra tennis gamers, like, youthful youngsters to play tennis and in addition believing that they are often right here too.”

Eala mentioned that succeeding alongside Tjen made her achievement much more significant.

“I’m so pleased to see the progress of tennis in Southeast Asia usually,” she mentioned. “I’ve identified (Tjen) for a very long time, so I’m pleased for her. I’m pleased that gamers from this area are developing and beginning to achieve success.”

Eala will intention to hold her momentum into Wednesday’s second-round match towards both Spain’s Cristina Bucsa or American qualifier Claire Liu.

“I feel the important thing for my upcoming match is simply to return in with the identical mentality, similar combat,” she added.

“Proper now I’m simply centered on recovering. That was a really powerful match, however I feel it will assist long-term.” – Rappler.com