Alex Eala in action during the US Open qualifying round. –ALEX EALA INSTAGRAM/VIA US OPEN
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala may have fallen short anew of reaching her first women’s Grand Slam main draw but she vows to continue working hard toward her goal.
The main draw remained elusive for Eala after bowing out in the final round of the 2024 US Open qualifiers, losing to Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania in three sets, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, on Friday (Manila time) in New York.
But the 19-year-old took her heartbreaking loss in stride and relished the atmosphere at Flushing Meadows.
READ: Alex Eala misses US Open main draw, drops final round match
“I was so close to achieving a big goal of mine, but today it was not meant to be. Nevertheless, this week has been nothing short of a thrilling dream. Playing in this atmosphere is something I have never experienced before and would not trade for the world,” Eala wrote.
“I want to thank everyone who watched and cheered for me earlier, whether in person or through the livestream. A special thanks to my family, to those who skipped work, and to those who traveled far just to watch my match. My heart heard and felt every cheer and every clap from you. Thank you so much, my fellow Filipinos,” Eala said.
Eala, the World No.148 Filipino, opened her campaign with a 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 win over Maddison Inglis of Australia in the first round and took down Spanish Nuria Parrizas Diaz, 7-5, 7-5, to reach the final qualifying round.
For Alex Eala, a special kind of Grand Slam
READ: However, the Rafael Nadal Academy graduate still has yet to reach the main draw of the Grand Slam as a pro, following her missed chances in the Wimbledon and French Open.
But the 19-year-old Filipino remained optimistic, believing she will make it someday.
“I believe that even though losing today hurts, God has a plan for me, and I’m sure I’ll achieve this someday,” said Eala.
Eala is still the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam title in the singles division, ruling the US Open girls’ tournament two years ago. She won two in doubles in the 2020 Australian Open and 2021 French Open in the juniors division.
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She has five International Tennis Federation single crowns and three in the doubles.
