WHEN asked what it felt like to be popular anywhere and everywhere, Alex Eala turned the conversation into something bigger than fame.
"I think the question should be rephrased to 'What is it like to be Filipino?'" Eala said with a smile while being interviewed in the WTA 500 Mubadala DC Open.
It was a fitting response following a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory that felt more like a home match than one played thousands of kilometers away from the Philippines.
READ: Eala completes comeback over Zheng to jumpstart DC Open Campaign
From opening serve until match ball, Filipino flags waved across the stands, while chants of support echoed throughout the venue to witness her first win in Washington.
"The community in DC is amazing," she said. "It was a great atmosphere for both players. I'm really happy with my win today."
The support came at a crucial time, as after dropping the opener, Eala got into her groove in the next two sets, staying patient through long rallies before taking complete control in the decider against the Paris Olympics gold medalist.
Alex gets back on track
The turnaround, she revealed, came from a simple reminder from her coach.
"He said I have to keep going. If I'm there every ball, I have every chance. And I did," she said.
Awaiting Eala in the next round is another stern test against Canada's Leylah Fernandez, a former US Open finalist whom she expects to bring another high-level battle.
"Very tough match," she said. "Leylah's an amazing player and an amazing person, as well. First for me is to recover and take care of my body, so I can do well."
Eala was seen with a bandage on her left arm, and had initially explained a 'health concern' for her withdrawal from a doubles pairing with Venus Williams.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
