Filipino supporters flood US Open practice courts to cheer Alex Eala
Fans waving Philippine flags and chanting “Laban Alex” filled the US Open practice courts to watch 21-year-old Alex Eala train before her first-round match.
Ahead of Alex Eala’s first-round US Open match, the practice courts in New York were packed with enthusiastic supporters brandishing Philippine flags and wearing “Laban Alex” hats. The crowd, which included NYU pre-med student Andrea Belen, her friend Sarah Frederick, and older fans like Ellene Santos and Joy Rodriguez, arrived early despite lacking tickets for the evening session. They applauded Eala’s powerful groundstrokes, captured videos, and even FaceTimed relatives back in the Philippines.
Attendees praised her recent triumph over Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon and her inaugural tour singles title in Washington, achievements that have lifted her to No. 18 globally. Many expressed pride in seeing a Filipino woman excel in a sport traditionally dominated by men in their home country. The fervent support reflects a broader wave of national pride sparked by recent Filipino successes such as gymnast Carlos Yulo’s Olympic golds.
Why it matters
The scene illustrates the rising global profile of Filipino athletes and the unifying power of sports pride.
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