AT this point, one can expect that Alex Eala is used to Filipino fans coming in droves to watch her game on the WTA Tour.
Eala’s been enjoying a de facto home crowd everywhere she played, especially at the Canadian Open, where “Barangay Toronto” delighted her.
Now, it’s “Barangay New York’s” turn at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Flushing Meadows.
Filipino fans packed the stands as they cheered Eala, who topped American Mary Stoiana, 6-1, 6-2, Tuesday night (Wednesday morning in Manila) to begin her campaign in the final Grand Slam of the year.
“I think now I’ve experienced it a lot recently, and in terms of being professional, compartmentalizing and finding my peace, I’ve definitely gotten into a better rhythm with it,” said Eala in the postgame presser, talking about playing before huge Filipino crowds.
“But it doesn’t get old. They do still surprise me. Yes, they do.”
One moment that really surprised Eala was a fan holding a baby photo of her with her chubby cheeks, asking the Filipino tennis ace to sign it.
“Yes, they’re very creative. The fans are very creative, and I love to see it,” said Eala.
“Yeah, I was surprised. I thought it was super cute. They just make my day.”
World No. 18 Eala faces No. 46 Oleksandra Oliynykova in the second round (round of 64) likely on Thursday.
Eala wants to get back at the Ukrainian after falling to her, 6-3, 5-7, 3-6, at the Strasbourg Open first round last May.
