Eala: "It would be a shame not to enjoy everything I have"

Alexandra Eala continues to grow as a tennis player and a person. This was reaffirmed by her in every press conference, and it is also evident from her performances on the court, such as her triumphant debut against Stoiana at the US Open 2026, which confirms her status as a contender for glory. 

The signs that position Alexandra Eala as a tennis player destined for significant success in the short and medium term are increasingly numerous and compelling. The qualitative leap she has made this summer is substantial, and the ease with which she manages it clearly speaks to the status of the Filipino player. She aims to continue progressing in a US Open 2026 in which she promises to be a key player, having offered interesting reflections in her press conference.

This is how Alexandra Eala spoke after winning in the first round of the US Open 2026

Eala's satisfaction with her tennis level

"I am very happy with the level I produced today. It's never easy, especially in the first round of a tournament, and even more so at the US Open. Also, Mary has had a good few weeks. So, I am very glad."

"I think I served quite well. I will need to take a bit more time to process the match, but, as I said, serving is simply a constant effort and a steady work to try to improve."

"I am always trying to improve something. I am happy with how I served today. I hope we keep rising or maintaining the level in the upcoming matches."

Change in status as a player from one year to the next

A year ago, Eala debuted at the US Open playing on Grandstand against a seeded opponent. Twelve months later, she returned to New York as a seeded player and played for the first time in Lou Armstrong. The difference in context was evident, especially with the noise and greater expectations following her growth during the American tour.

“It felt different, definitely, but I wouldn’t say one situation was more difficult than the other. They were simply different circumstances. It was the first time I played in one of the main stadiums at the US Open.”

“It was very noisy. Especially when the roof is closed. That adds a lot to the atmosphere, but it’s also something you have to manage. Of course, coming in as a seeded player and having done quite well during the American tour brings a different feel.”

“You obviously have a bit more confidence. There are a bit more expectations, but I think I managed it. I’ve been managing it well. There were nerves, for sure. And I’m not really sure where they came from, whether it was the noise or, as you say, being the first round of a Grand Slam.”

“I think, with experience, my goal is to disconnect from all that. I have experience with large crowds, especially over the last year, and I think I’ve learned to handle myself quite well internally. I try to keep focus and concentrate on what I need to pay attention to, on points A, B, and C.”

“In the end, when you get into the rhythm, we play tennis. A match is a match, I think, whether there are a lot of people or no one. Once we players get into that rhythm, the effect of external factors diminishes a bit.”

Eala’s notable expectations at the US Open

“I think what I want from this tournament is to have more matches at the level I know I can produce and that I’ve been producing these last few weeks. I have prepared quite well before the tournament. My team has done the work. I have done the work.”

"Today was a good first match. I was able to execute many of the points, be aggressive, and play my tennis. So, I want to continue on that path. I think I have evolved a lot during these months."

“All I can do is come into the next match with the same mentality that I had today, with the same mentality, or even better than I’ve been having these last few weeks, and try to do my best.”

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Eala already understands everything that comes with being a professional tennis player

“I have learned from my environment by absorbing the knowledge I see in my peers and everyone I have met on the circuit. I am constantly trying to be a better person, a smarter and more aware person, and simply be the best version of myself.”

“I don’t think my tennis would be as good as it is now if I weren’t the person I am off the court and if I didn’t have such an open mindset or such a desire to learn. I think those two things go hand in hand.”

The future feels exciting for Eala

“I still have so much to learn about managing everything that is generated around me. I feel like I will still experience many things, and there are many challenges I have yet to encounter.”

“But right now, with the success I’ve had over the last year and with my improvement coming quite rapidly, I don’t know… It seems like just yesterday that I dreamed of being in Armstrong, for example, or dreamed of playing against the players I’ve been playing against.”

“For instance, in a match like this, I was nervous in the morning. It’s the first round of a Grand Slam, and I come in as a seeded player. It’s a little different because I’ve been doing well recently.”

“But I think it would be a shame if I didn’t do everything I could to enjoy it. There are so many people showing me love and to all the other players. I am playing in Armstrong.”

“There were moments when you are a little girl, dreaming, and you don’t know if you will really achieve it. Of course, you say: ‘I can do it, I can do it, I can do it,’ but actually doing it is something different. And now I’m here. So, it would be a great pity if I didn’t enjoy what I have.”

The words of Alexandra Eala reveal a substantial change in mentality for a woman who is learning to cope with the pressure of being the heroine of the Philippines, a country that fully supports her wherever she goes and that generates enormous media impact for the great promise of world tennis, which is already becoming a reality. She will face Oleksandra Oliynikova in the second round of the US Open 2026.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Eala: "Sería una pena no poder disfrutar de todo lo que tengo"