ALEX Eala bringing home the country's first-ever singles grand slam title at the US Open juniors competition was another proud moment for Filipino fans.
But for the Philippines' newest tennis darling, seeing all the attention given to her and to her sport in a country where basketball is almost religion, takes on a deeper, more special meaning.
"I was super surprised," Eala told SPIN.ph when asked about it in a press conference arranged by her main sponsor Globe, "cause the Philippines is a basketball and volleyball-dominated country, and [Filipinos] tend to appreciate them more."
[READ: How Pacquiao inspired Eala when she was growing up]
That wasn't the case the past week when people stayed up for her afternoon match in New York, which started midnight back home.
As soon as she dispatched world juniors No. 3 Lucie Havlickova in straight sets at around 2 a.m., Manila time, she trended immediately on social media and made the headlines of online media outlets and newspapers.

Images of Eala lifting the US Open Girls' trophy also graced giant billboards along Edsa, in malls, and other parts of the metropolis.
The teenager was thrilled to see the spotlight fall on her sport.
"I think it's a good thing that they're starting to appreciate more sports, and it's important that we give attention to all athletes," she said.
Following the historic achievements of Hidilyn Diaz in weightlifting, Caloy Yulo in gymnastics, the Philippine women's football team, and EJ Obiena in pole vault, it was Alex's turn to raise the profile of Philippine tennis.
"I'm super happy and grateful," she added. "Grateful for those small things, the pay-per-views, the staying-up-at-night's... thank you so much for the support and it really means a lot to me and it does affect me and make an impact."
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