Alexandra Eala has hardly had the best preparation for the US Open, but she will return to action raring to go.
After all, as is always the case with every new event she enters, this young starlet will have the backing of an entire nation.
The Philippines do not boast a rich historical relationship with the sport of tennis, and as such, this 20-year-old’s emergence has caught the eye.
And, with each passing week, it feels like she treads new ground, as a regular history-maker for her country.
This is a torch she proudly carries, and before the US Open has even begun, she reacted to making even more history for the Philippines.
Alexandra Eala makes new history for the Philippines
Speaking to the magazine Town&Country, as she previewed her return to action, the youngster covered a lot of ground in such a short interview.
After all, not only did she outline her biggest goal in tennis, but she also gave her honest thoughts on what it’s like to make history everywhere she goes.
Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images
Having gained entry straight into the main draw of this latest Grand Slam, Eala is now poised to be the first Filipina to play in the US Open.
She reacted by noting: “It’s hard to realise I’m the first. It’s so nice to see that I’m able to pave the way, and I’m able to expose the Philippines to this international stage. It’s such a big part of who I am. The only thing I can give back to my country is to inspire.”
Eala then spoke about her different goals within the sport: “Short term, I’m just trying to maintain this level that I’m on.
“I’m trying to take it week by week. Long term, I want to be number one in the world, but that’s a long way away. It’s important to dream big.”
Eala has often named her favourite player and long-time inspiration whenever given the chance, and she will be keen to emulate them at the US Open one day.
How has Alexandra Eala performed in the Grand Slams this year?
A proud product of the Rafa Nadal academy, Eala has enjoyed a true breakout year, making her debut in two of the three Grand Slams.
However, it did not start all that well, falling in the third and final qualifying round at the Australian Open, and therefore not making it into the main draw.
Fortunately, her remarkable run at the Miami Open came before Roland Garros, and so her semi-final points saw her surge into a guaranteed spot.
Sadly, she was defeated in the very first round by Emiliana Arango.
Wimbledon offered far more promise, particularly after she had reached the final in Eastbourne as preparation.
However, she faced the defending champion in the very first round and again was beaten, despite taking the first set against Barbora Krejčíková.
And whilst it gets no easier for Eala, with an in-form Clara Tauson her US Open opponent, eventually it feels like the true breakthrough is coming that will allow her to start carving through draws.