{
  "id": 5484114,
  "title": "'I’m proud to represent Filipinos': Alex Eala fans turn out in force at US Open",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/im-proud-to-represent-filipinos-alex-eala-fans-turn-out-in-force-at",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-04T03:37:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/tennis/2026/09/04/im-proud-to-represent-filipinos-alex-eala-fans-turn-out-in-force-at-us-open/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Alex Eala fans braved Louis Armstrong Stadium on Thursday to rally behind the 17th seed as she advanced to the third round of the US Open. Eala dominated her match against Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova, winning 6-1, 6-4. The enthusiastic crowd held signs, chanted and waved small flags to support the young Filipina sensation. \"I’m proud to represent Filipinos,\" Eala said after the match, expressing her pride in representing her country. The young athlete had a blistering start, winning the first nine games and avenge her previous loss to Oliynykova at the Internationaux de Strasbourg. The Filipina dominated the first set, breaking Oliynykova's serve early, only for the Ukrainian to get one back in the second set. However, Eala responded quickly, breaking Oliynykova again and holding to love for a 5-3 lead. Oliynykova delayed the inevitable, holding serve but Eala remained composed and sealed the victory with a crucial error from Oliynykova. Eala will now face American Iva Jovic, who defeated British qualifier Francesca Jones in straight sets. Earlier in the day, world No 4 Coco Gauff advanced to the third round by defeating Paula Badosa 6-4, 7-6, extending her pursuit of a third Grand Slam title.",
  "summary": "Alex Eala fans turned Louis Armstrong Stadium into a Filipino party on Thursday as the 17th seed secured her place in the third round of the US Open. Eala produced a composed performance in overcoming Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova 6-1, 6-4. The crowd was overwhelmingly pro Eala , with fans holding signs, chanting and waving little flags to cheer on the Philippines’ and the game’s newest…",
  "key_points": [
    "Alex Eala fans support 17th seed at US Open",
    "Eala wins 6-1, 6-4 against Oliynykova",
    "Filipina athlete proud to represent her country"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The strong showing of Eala's fans and her emphatic win cements her pride in representing the Philippines and sets up a third-round match against American Iva Jovic.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "'I’m proud to represent Filipinos': Alex Eala fans turn out in force at US Open",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/im-proud-to-represent-filipinos-alex-eala-fans-turn-out-in-force-at-5487488",
        "published": "2026-09-04T03:37:33.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}