By El Amigo
MANILA — A meeting between NBA star Jordan Clarkson and Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala turned into a celebration of Filipino pride as the two athletes exchanged thoughts on representing the country on the international stage.
“When you got Filipino blood, you take the whole country with you to hold pride,” Clarkson said.
Eala echoed the sentiment, pointing to the special support Filipino athletes receive from fans back home.
“I don’t think any other nationality does it the same [as Filipinos],” Eala said.
The exchange comes just before Eala begins her 2026 US Open singles campaign, where she enters as the No. 17 seed and a career-high No. 18 in the world.
First-round assignment
Eala is set to face American qualifier Mary Stoiana in the opening round on Monday, August 31, Manila time.
Stoiana, ranked No. 122, reached the main draw after coming through three qualifying matches. The contest will be her Grand Slam main-draw debut.
Eala and Stoiana have met once previously, with the Filipina winning their 2024 encounter.
The US Open represents another major opportunity for Eala, who has enjoyed a breakthrough season highlighted by her first WTA singles title in Washington, D.C., and a run to the fourth round at Wimbledon.
With a strong Grand Slam seed and her highest-ever ranking, Eala heads into New York carrying not only rising expectations but also the hopes of Filipino tennis fans worldwide.
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