Philippines’ Alexandra Eala shakes hands with Ukraine's Oleksandra Oliynykova after their women's singles second round tennis match on day five of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on September 3, 2026. TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News
Filipina tennis star Alex Eala has gotten used to tuning out what she calls "external factors" whenever she competes, as she seeks to focus on what she can control.
Eala is through to the third round of the US Open after a comprehensive 6-1, 6-4 win over Ukraine's Oleksandra Oliynykova on Thursday at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York.
READ: Alex Eala through to 3rd round of US Open after beating Oliynykova
As with her other matches, there were plenty of fans at the venue, many of whom carried Philippine flags or posters with supportive messages. The love that Eala has received from Filipinos has been one of the major talking points of the tournament, and "Eala-mania" shows no signs of stopping.
The 21-year-old has always been vocal about her appreciation for her fans, and after matches she takes her time in signing autographs and taking photos. During the match, however, Eala is all business.
"It's a good balance," Eala said after her win over Oliynykova, when asked if she sees the Philippine flags or the signs in the stands.
"When I'm really competing in the match, I don't tend to think about external factors," she added. "You know, a tennis match at this level is very mentally costly, so there's not much room to think about external factors.
"Not to say that it doesn't go unnoticed," she added.
Eala is also paying no attention to online discourse about her, including questions regarding where she plays. The Filipina's first two matches took place at the Louis Armstrong Stadium, the second-largest court at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center with a capacity of 14,000 fans.
"I'm grateful to be on Armstrong and play in such an incredible court," said Eala. "But yeah, I don't control the scheduling."
"My job is to be prepared for whatever court they put me in, and whoever they put me, or whoever I'm against," she added.
Up next for Eala is her good friend, American Iva Jovic, in the third round of the US Open.
Organizers have yet to announce the match schedule and venue.
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