MANILA — Filipino heritage took center stage as tennis ace Alex Eala and NBA champion Jordan Clarkson linked up in an event at the US Open.
In a video posted by ESPNW, Eala and Clarkson—who wear the national colors in the tennis and basketball competitions they take part in—talked about the connection in having the Pinoy heritage they proudly represent.
“I wear my culture on my sleeve. I’m sure you can understand. And it, like, brings so many people together,” Eala told Clarkson. “Like, it’s crazy that I’m meeting you and how people can connect through culture and just nostalgia. I think it’s a really powerful thing.”
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“You know, when you got Filipino blood, you take the whole country with you to hold pride and we everywhere,” the New York Knick replied.
Clarkson, who played for Gilas Pilipinas most recently in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, said that he is proud of Eala, who recently reached No. 18 in the WTA rankings.
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“I mean, you’re leading the way for tennis... The stadium looked great. There’s a lot of Filipino flags in there, so, well, I’m proud of you, so proud of you, seriously,” Clarkson said.
“I’m trying to make it [tennis] bigger,” the 21-year-old star also said. “Don’t make me blush.”
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Eala is set to face qualifier and home bet Mary Stoiana in the prestigious US Open. Clarkson, for his part, is coming from a championship-winning campaign with the Knicks in the 2025-26 NBA season.