Alex Eala full of gratitude despite painful US Open exit

BELOVED. The Philippines' Alexandra Eala acknowledges the crowd after losing her third-round match against Iva Jovic of the United States in the 2026 US Open.

Robert Deutsch/IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters

Alex Eala says it is a “real privilege to experience” playing on tennis’ biggest stages and receiving overwhelming fan support even as her US Open run comes to a heartbreaking end

AT A GLANCE

• Alex Eala expressed gratitude despite her heartbreaking loss to Iva Jovic in the third round of the US Open, highlighting the support from the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
• Eala showcased her determination by taking a set from Jovic and leading in the final set before ultimately losing, reflecting on her performance and the lessons learned.
• Looking ahead, Eala is set to compete in the Singapore Open and the Asian Games, where she aims to contribute to the Philippine team's success.

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MANILA, Philippines – Even in the face of one of her most painful defeats, Alex Eala somehow still radiates gratitude.

Eala chooses to look at the silver lining after her US Open campaign came to a heartbreaking end following a stinging 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 loss to close friend Iva Jovic of the United States in the third round on Sunday, September 5 (Monday, September 6, Manila time).

The defeat denied Eala a chance to match her best Grand Slam showing — a fourth-round run in the Wimbledon Championships in July — but the Filipina world No. 18 relished her debut at the famed Arthur Ashe Stadium, buoyed by a passionate crowd rallying behind her.

“It’s indescribable to sum up the support and how it makes me feel in just a few words. It’s a real privilege to experience this in a lifetime,” said Eala, pausing to fight back tears. 

“Playing on Arthur Ashe and feeling the support and being in those environments and learning these lessons and fighting and doing what I love, I’m really happy. I’m really lucky to have these opportunities, to have these people support me, and to be working hard, to be able to work hard, and to be able to live this life how I am living it.”

Eala proved she deserved to play at the world’s largest tennis stadium as she engaged world No. 14 Jovic in a three-hour thriller that kept those in attendance on the edge of their seats.

Swept by Jovic in both of their two previous encounters, Eala finally took a set from the American and even built a 4-2 lead in the decider before she ran out of gas, losing four of the last five games.

Although a breakthrough win against Jovic slipped through her fingers, Eala has every reason to hold her head high after battling until the final point.

“What I’ve learned tonight, I have yet to process. But I think that what I know for sure is that I left everything out there,” Eala said. 

“I fought through the ups and downs. There were moments where I wasn’t playing so good, and moments where I was playing really good. So, what I know for a fact is that I fought. So, I’m happy with that.”

Eala gets a two-week break before she returns to action at the Singapore Open, which will run from September 21 to 27.

Then, from Singapore, the 21-year-old will fly to Japan for the Asian Games, where she is billed as one of the Philippines’ top gold-medal prospects following her bronze finish in the 2023 edition in China.

“I love playing and competing with the Philippine team,” said Eala. “I think it’s a really fun environment, and I love being with the team.” – Rappler.com