For country, culture: Eala braces for US Open grind

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala will be playing for more than herself at the US Open.

Stepping onto the brightest stage yet of her young career, the 21-year-old Filipina will carry the hopes of an entire nation in the season’s final Grand Slam.

The US Open kicks off today at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, but crowd darling Eala will not see action until Wednesday, Manila time, at Louis Armstrong Stadium, according to the official schedule and court assignments released yesterday.

Eala, fast emerging as one of tennis’ poster girls, opens against American qualifier Mary Stoiana – World No. 122, former NCAA MVP, and a winner of three straight matches in qualifying to reach her first Grand Slam main draw.

And like every city she has played in, a legion of Filipino fans is expected to pack the 14,000-seat Armstrong Stadium, the second-largest court in Flushing Meadows next to Arthur Ashe Stadium, where Eala made her debut last week in the Stars of the Open exhibition.

“I understand the importance of what and who I represent, along with the values and the culture I carry on court,” Eala said on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast ahead of her highly anticipated US Open return.

“It’s very important for me to understand that it’s the Filipino culture that’s important. It’s what I represent that’s important and not just me as an individual. The reason why I have a big following is because people see themselves in me.”

Eala marches into New York brimming with confidence and momentum, hitting new career highs on almost every front.

A career-best world ranking of No. 18, a career-best Grand Slam seeding at No. 17, a custom blue-themed Nike kit in honor of the Philippine flag, new covers on Sports Illustrated and Forbes, and added inspiration from fellow Filipino sports standard-bearers led by New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson.

Even in practice, Eala has been swarmed by fans – triple the support she received last year when she debuted as World No. 75 and became the first Filipina to win a Grand Slam main-draw match, stunning then-World No. 15 Clara Tauson of Denmark, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11).