Alexandra Eala’s heart-warming Australian Open debut ends in a loss to Parks
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The long queue of fans outside Court 6, the chants of Alex, Alex, Alex and the fluttering Philippines flags all pointed to where Alexandra Eala was making her Australian Open main draw debut.
The 20-year-old Eala made the most of the football-style atmosphere in the first set Monday before Alycia Parks found a way to block all that out and rally for a 0-6, 6-3, 6-2 win.
Eala has developed a big following in the last year after a breakthrough tournament in Miami where she beat four seeded players — including No. 2-ranked Iga Świątek — before losing in the semifinals. She reached the final at Eastbourne after going through qualifying in June.
He fan base expanded again when she beat Clara Tauson in a long third-set tiebreaker in the first round at the U.S. Open last year for her first win in a major. Sports fans in the Philippines have embraced her journey.
Organizers could easily have filled one of the big show courts at Melbourne Park for Eala’s opener against Parks.
Filipino fans were still lined up outside in the third set. For those who got seats, Eala stayed long after Parks had left court and signed autographs.
“Yeah, it was so heart-warming,” she said. “That’s one of the things that makes a loss like today a little bit harder. The fact that everyone came out and really squeezed into that cozy court, I really appreciate it. I felt so loved.
“But then again Alycia played really well. And you know I just hope that the support continues with the losses along with the wins. I think that would really touch me.”
The vociferous crowd was a distraction for Parks in the first set, but the 25-year-old American harnessed the emotions in the second.
“It was very difficult,” Parks said. “I was expecting it, but I wasn’t. She definitely has a good crowd. I just kept telling myself to stay in the zone.”
Parks got an early break in the second set before Eala rallied to get back on serve. Parks won the last three games to take it to a deciding third set, and then dominated.
“I was just so focused on the crowd in the first set, which is why it went the way it went,” she said. “I don’t know what my record is with crowds against me … It definitely puts a fire on me.”
While Parks advanced, Eala will have to use the singles loss as motivation for the doubles.
“I’m still young, 20, so learning how to deal with all of this attention,” she said. “I guess this is one of the moments that I can reflect on what this means for Philippine tennis. I’m the only Filipina in the draw this year. I’m the only Filipina that’s ever been in the draw, I think. So there are positives to take away.
“Like I said, so much gratitude and super thankful.” __
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