Metro Manila, Philippines — Alex Eala held back tears as she reflected on the overwhelming support she received from the crowd following her heartbreaking loss to world No. 14 Iva Jovic in the third round of the US Open.
Speaking during her post-match interview, Eala became visibly emotional as she tried to put into words what it meant to compete on one of tennis’ biggest stages.
“It’s indescribable to sum up the support and how it makes me feel in just a few words,” Eala said.
“It’s a real privilege to experience this in a lifetime,” she added.
Eala fell to Jovic, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, after more than three hours of intense rallies and momentum swings.
After splitting the first two sets, Eala broke early in the decider and built a 4-2 lead.
Jovic, however, fought back to level the set before eventually taking the deciding set, 7-5, to advance to the fourth round.
Despite the painful defeat, Eala immediately went to Jovic at the net and embraced her after the match.
Jovic later praised Eala for the grace she showed despite the exhausting loss.
“It says a lot about her as a person,” Jovic said. “To be able to do that after that type of match and still come over and hug me and wish me all the best.”
