FILE–Filipino tennis participant Alex Eala forward of her US Open girls’s qualifying marketing campaign. –ALEX EALA INSTAGRAM
MANILA, Philippines — The ladies’s Grand Slam predominant draw remained elusive for Alex Eala after bowing out within the ultimate spherical of the 2024 US Open qualifiers.
Eala couldn’t maintain her robust begin as she fell to Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania in three units, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, on Friday (Manila time) in New York.
After successful the opening body, the Filipino prodigy misplaced steam because the 28-year-old Romanian dominated the second set with a 4-0 begin earlier than Eala scored a degree however took a medical timeout.
READ: For Alex Eala, a particular type of Grand Slam
Ruse by no means appeared again to pressure a decider, the place they went toe-to-toe tied at 3-3.
The World No. 123 obtained the higher of the 19-year-old Filipino ultimately recreation to enter the US Open predominant draw towards Julia Grabher of Austria within the first spherical.
Eala, although, keep optimistic regardless of one other shut name. She additionally stated she remains to be seeking to get into the principle draw because the fortunate loser.
“I imagine that though shedding right now hurts, God has a plan for me, and I’m certain I’ll obtain this sometime. The battle isn’t over but! Please be part of me in praying that I make it to the principle draw as a Fortunate Loser,” Eala wrote on her Instagram in Filipino.
Reaching the principle draw has been elusive for Eala as she missed an opportunity within the Wimbledon and French Open.
The World No.148 Filipino opened her marketing campaign with a 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 win over Maddison Inglis of Australia within the first spherical and took down Spanish Nuria Parrizas Diaz, 7-5, 7-5, to achieve the ultimate qualifying spherical.
READ: Alex Eala excited forward of first US Open marketing campaign as a professional
Eala thanked the followers who supported her at Flushing Meadows and on-line with the match airing early morning Philippine time.
“I wish to thank everybody who watched and cheered for me earlier, whether or not in individual or via the livestream. A particular due to my household, to those that skipped work, and to those that traveled far simply to observe my match. My coronary heart heard and felt each cheer and each clap from you. Thanks a lot, my fellow Filipinos,” Eala stated.
“I used to be so near attaining a giant objective of mine, however right now it was not meant to be. However, this week has been nothing wanting an exhilarating dream. Taking part in on this ambiance is one thing I’ve by no means expertise earlier than and wouldn’t commerce for the world,” she additionally stated.
Eala grew to become the primary Filipino to win a Grand Slam title within the singles division, ruling the US Open ladies’ match two years in the past. She received two in doubles within the 2020 Australian Open and 2021 French Open within the juniors division.
Eala, who got here into the US Open qualifiers ranked 148 on the earth, will doubtless rise within the rankings after coming one win away from qualifying for her first grand slam after successful the US Open Juniors title in 2022.
