Extending her strong run from earlier tournaments this season.
On Wednesday, September 2 (Manila time), Filipina tennis star Alex Eala returned to action at the US Open in New York, USA as she faced Mary Stoiana in the first round of the women’s singles event.
The Filipina tennis star, who is seeded no. 17 in the tournament, battled it out against the American bet before a large crowd at the Louis Armstrong Stadium, which was packed by mostly supporters of the rising star.
In the opening set, Eala had a powerful streak as she overwhelmed Stoiana, who had only won one game. That run would continue well into the second set, however, by that time Alex had to deal with a growing momentum from Mary—something that she accomplished to take victory of the play.
The final scoreline of the match, which lasted one hour and 18 minutes, was 6-1, 6-2.
“In the second set, I think she put me in uncomfortable positions, and she’s been having a great run, coming from [qualifiers] and a good past couple of weeks,” admitted Eala after the play.
During which, she also expressed her appreciation to all her supporters, she said: “Maraming salamat, mga kababayan. I want to thank the community here in New York, the tennis fans, not just from the Philippines, but who have been making me feel so loved and who are so enthusiastic and contributing to the growth of women’s tennis.”
“Thank you everybody for being part of my journey and making it such a pleasure to do my job,” added Eala.
She also said that it is an “amazing time” for her to reflect on how much she has grown in the sport in the past four years and what lies ahead for her.
And in the foreseeable, she is set to take on Ukrainian player Oleksandra Oliynykova in the second round of the US Open, scheduled on Thursday, September 3.
