Filipino Alexandra Eala lost a see-saw first round Australian Open battle with American Alycia Parks 0-6, 6-3, 6-2 on Court 6 in a match that lasted one hour and 55 minutes.
Eala outlined how she felt after her loss.
With a loss comes disappointment
“I think it’s only normal that with a loss comes disappointment and being upset.
“But then again, it’s another opportunity for me to take and learn and grow as a player.”
Eala expressed how much love she felt on the court and how grateful she was for this support.
“Yeah, it was so heart-warming.
“That’s one of the things that makes a loss like today a little bit harder is I know a lot of people were rooting for me.
“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.
“But then again, the fact that everyone came out and really squeezed into that cozy court, I really appreciate it.
“I felt so loved. Even when I was 5-2 down in the third, you know, still felt the love.
“So, I’m really appreciative and super thankful.”
Strong support
Alexandra Eala expanded on how it felt having such strong support wherever she plays.
“Yeah, it’s a process to take it all in.
“I think this week definitely there were elements that were a bit overwhelming, especially during my practices.
“I didn’t expect that many people to be there.
“So, it’s a learning process, like anything.
“You know, losses are part of the learning process. The trainings are part of a learning process.
“So, I’m just trying to take it in.
“I’m still young, 20, so learning how to deal with all of this attention, but then at the same time being grateful.”
Strong mindset
Alexandra Eala appears to have a strong growth mindset with how she approaches her tennis and her life.
“But there are certain moments when I’m with my family and we talk about kind of how much we have grown and the journey leading up to this.
“Those are the types of moments you can look back and say, Wow, there’s a lot of people today.”
Eala was asked to comment on where she has received the biggest support on the tennis court.
“This was definitely one of the bigger Filipino turnouts.
“Also, New York was huge.
“It was tough because it also depends what court you’re on, you know, that you feel the noise and things.
“I would say the top two so far have been Melbourne and New York.”
Making an impact
Alexandra Eala admitted that she is aware of how much an impact she is making for the Filipino people.
“But yeah, I like to think that I have a following for a reason.
“I like to think that the impact that I’ve had and the platform that I’ve built has a positive effect on a certain demographic and my demographic.
“Yeah so, I mean, 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.”
Dave Marshall is reporting exclusively from the 2026 Australian Open in Melbourne for The South African.
