“I’m really lucky to have these opportunities”
In the days leading up this year’s US Open, Eala took to Arthur Ashe Stadium as part of a “Stars of the Open” exhibition, where she faced off against a fellow rising talent in 18-year-old American and Eala’s good friend, Iva Jovic.
Some 10 days later, the two were back on the same stage, only this time for a third-round encounter. What they staged was perhaps one of matches of the year: A three-set, three-hour tussle featuring hard hitting from the baseline and a combined 78 winners from the two.
Jovic prevailed 7-5, 3-6, 7-5. It was another moment of learning for Eala, who previously hadn’t been competitive against Jovic in their first two meetings.
“I think that what I know for sure is that I left everything out there,” Eala said after the loss. “I fought through the ups and downs, though… I guess there were moments I wasn’t playing so good and moments where I was playing really good.
“I fought. So I’m happy with that.”
Even as Eala has been surrounded by massive crowds everywhere she’s gone, she was still floored by the some 23,000 fans that took in her match with Jovic in the biggest tennis arena in the world.
“It’s indescribable to sum up the support and how it makes me feel in just a few words… It’s a real privilege to experience this in my lifetime,” Eala said before growing emotional.
“Playing on Arthur Ashe and feeling the support and being in those environments and learning these lessons… fighting and doing what I love,” she added.
“I’m really happy. I’m really lucky to have these opportunities.”