Alex Eala struggled to put her feelings into words after her US Open 2026 campaign ended with a heartbreaking defeat to close friend Iva Jovic. But when asked about the support she received from Filipino fans throughout her run in New York, the emotions were all visible.
Eala was beaten 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 by the 14th-seeded Jovic in a thrilling third-round battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday night. The match lasted around three hours, with Eala pushing her friend all the way before Jovic held her nerve to seal victory.
After the match, Eala was visibly emotional as she reflected on the sea of Philippine flags and the support she had felt inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Alex Eala Struggles to Hold Back Tears While Discussing Filipino Support
Asked what the support from the Filipino community had meant to her not only during the US Open but throughout her breakthrough year, Eala admitted that it was difficult to describe.
“It’s indescribable to sum up the support and how it makes me feel in just a few words. It’s a real privilege to experience this in a lifetime,” Eala said.
Alex Eala got emotional in press when asked about what it means to her to have the support of the Filipino community after her loss to Jovic at the U.S. Open
“There were flags in Arthur Ashe from fans of the Philippines. We saw it throughout the tournament as well. What has that… pic.twitter.com/5rRDtT7s93
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 6, 2026
She paused as the emotion of the moment caught up with her. “You know, like… Oh God, sorry.”
Eala then spoke about what it meant to walk onto one of the biggest courts in tennis and hear Filipino supporters cheering her on.
“Playing on Arthur Ashe, and feeling the support, being in those environments, learning these lessons, and fighting and doing what I love. I’m really happy.”
“I’m really lucky to have these opportunities, to have these people support me, and to be working hard, to be able to work hard… to be able to live this life how I’m living it.”
Eala’s US Open Run Ends After Three-Set Thriller
Eala arrived in New York as one of the most talked-about young players in women’s tennis after another important season. She reached the third round by defeating American qualifier Mary Stoiana 6-1, 6-2 before overcoming Oleksandra Oliynykova 6-1, 6-4.
Her run ended against Jovic in a match that repeatedly threatened to swing either way.
Jovic took the opening set 7-5, but Eala responded strongly in the second, winning it 6-3 to force a decider. The Filipina then moved into a 4-2 lead in the third set and appeared to be in control before Jovic fought back.
The American eventually recovered the break and closed out the set 7-5, ending Eala’s run in New York.
Yet the defeat could not overshadow the of Eala’s tournament. She returned to the US Open as the highest-ranked Filipino player in history and continued to strengthen her place among the leading young names in women’s tennis.
