On Thursday, Alexandra Eala played at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows for the first time, taking on her good friend Iva Jovic in the “Stars of the Open” exhibition match at the US Open.
he stadium was nearly packed, much like it has been for Eala’s previous matches.
However, playing on the main US Open court in New York was a different experience.
“It’s extra special being on this court in New York,” Eala said in a post-match interview.
“I remember when I played the juniors here, I was thinking, when am I gonna get to play on this court? And this is my first time, like Iva, and there’s no one I’d rather share the court with.”
Eala won the US Open girls’ singles title in 2022.
The world No. 18 also shared a moment with her father Mike on court.
Now, the Filipina ace is waiting to find out her first-round opponent after earning the No. 17 seed at the US Open. She will face a qualifier in the opening round.
