NEW YORK — Alex Eala said Friday she remains focused on her US Open campaign despite the growing attention surrounding her, including questions about the tournament’s decision to schedule her matches at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
The 21-year-old Filipino, ranked No. 18 in the world and seeded 17th, reached the third round after defeating Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova 6-1, 6-4 on Friday.
Eala has played both of her matches at the US Open on Armstrong, the second-largest court at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Asked about the scheduling after her victory, Eala said she leaves those decisions to tournament officials.
“I don’t make the schedules, but I’m grateful to be on Armstrong and to play on such an incredible court,” Eala said. “I don’t control the scheduling and my job is to be prepared for whatever court they put me in and whomever I’m against.”
Eala also spoke about the attention that has accompanied her rise in popularity. She said she sometimes forgets that people recognize her, recalling a meeting with internet personality Nella Rose, who told Eala she was a fan.
“Sometimes I forget I’m also kind of famous,” Eala said.
“It’s weird to think that some people I watch a lot know me, too,” she added.
Eala will face 18-year-old American Iva Jovic in the third round. The two are friends and part of a group of young players on the women’s Tour.
“Off the court or on the court, I think the friends that I have, I really admire for what they’ve been through and what they go through,” Eala said.
Eala said reaching the third round carries particular significance as she heads into her first US Open weekend appearance.
“It means a lot for me to get to the weekend and this is my first time being in the third round here at the US Open,” she said.
Eala also acknowledged the strong Filipino support at the tournament and said she takes pride in representing the country.
“I think everybody represents something in their own way; I’m Filipino and I proudly represent that,” she said. “And a lot of the crowd here today is Filipino and I’m sure they share in that sentiment.”
Two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka and 2023 champion Coco Gauff also advanced to the third round. Madison Keys, the 2017 runner-up, reached the third round after saving five match points against Anna Bondar before winning 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (10-5).
Osaka defeated Katerina Siniakova 6-2, 5-7, 6-1, while Gauff beat Paula Badosa 6-4, 7-6 (5).
