MANILA, Philippines — Homegrown Filipino tennis star Alex Eala and Fil-American New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson ran into each other ahead of the US Open main draw in Flushing Meadows, New York.
The first Filipino WTA titlist and the first Fil-Am NBA champion talked about representing the Philippines on the international stage in a video co-posted by the US Open, ESPNW, and WTA Instagram pages Saturday.
"I wear my culture on my sleeve. I'm sure you can understand and it brings so many people together. It's crazy that I'm meeting you," said Eala to Clarkson.
"And how people can connect through culture and just nostalgia. I think it's a really powerful thing."
Eala seized her first WTA Tour-level title at the Mubadala D.C. Open earlier this month, while Clarkson became the first NBA player with Filipino heritage to win an NBA championship last June with the Knicks.
Like Eala, Clarkson also represented the Philippines in a slew of international tournaments spanning from the 2018 Asian Games to the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila.
"You know when you got Filipino blood, you take the whole country with you, the whole pride and we're everywhere," said Clarkson to Eala.
The 21-year-old netter responded:
"I don't think any other nationality does it the same. I cross a Filipino on the street, and I would know it like that (snaps finger). And I would know if it was you definitely."
Clarkson, whose mother Annette Tullao Davis traces her Filipino roots in Angeles, Pampanga, said it's been a big year for Filipinos on the international sports stage.
"Seriously. We're doing a lot for the country and the culture. I think this has been a big year for the culture," said Clarkson, the 2021 NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
"It's crazy. The Philippines is basketball crazy," said Eala.
The 34-year-old Clarkson said she's proud of Eala who has become a trailblazer for the Philippines in tennis.
"You're leading the way for tennis," said Clarkson to which Eala responded, "I'm trying to make it bigger. I'll do my part."
Clarkson, who met Eala after her "Stars of the Open" exhibition match with Iva Jovic at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, added:
"The stadium looked great. There's a lot of Filipino flags in there. I'm proud of you. I'm so proud of you," Eala responded, "Thank you. Don't make me blush'."
