This time last year Alex Eala was ranked 75th and made history by winning her first-ever grand slam main draw match.
A year later, she is back as one of tennis’ rising stars coming to New York as the 18th ranked player in the world.
Eala was handpicked to be a part of the US Open’s “Stars of the Open” as she played a one-set exhibition match vs good friend and 14th ranked Iva Jovic.
The crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, filled with Filipinos, gave Eala a roaring welcome as the entered the court. The Filipina was down early 0-2 after an early break by Jovic, but Eala bounced back and tied the match at 2-2 after getting a break of her own.
But from there Jovic showed her poise amidst the fanfare and took care of business, winning 6-3.
But it really was not meant to be a competitive match as this was for the fans. Mid-match there was a break where 13-year-old Amanda Marcano-James from the Harlem Junior Tennis Program was given a few moments to play 2 vs 1 with Eala and Jovic.
Before the end of the match, Jovic and Eala grabbed their dads, Bojan and Mike, to play a cute moment of dad girl doubles.
Filipino fans came from all over.
“Kahapon napaiyak ako when I saw her for the first time,” said Nella from Jaxonville, Florida.
First time tennis fans, mother and daughter tandem, Melanie and Kiara Aldea, came from Texas. “It was overwhelming and surreal to see Alex in person.”
Friends Liza Manawis and Marife Tolentino from California said, “Susundan namin sya kahit saan.” They came wearing specially made t-shirts with “Fookelya - the fool proof serve” to support Alex. “Us Filipinos we are really proud of our kababayans who succeed in their field.”
On Friday, Eala wraps up her fan week festivities as she will take part in media day as well as have a guesting in a live podcast recording with tennis legend Andy Roddick. Her first match in the first round is set vs a 'to be determined' qualifier.