19-year-old Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala's bid to make the main draw of the US Open came to an end in the third qualifying round.
Despite a valiant effort, Eala was hampered by cramps in the second set, forcing her to take a medical timeout. Her opponent, Elena-Gabriel Ruse of Romania, also required two medical breaks during the match.
As the match unfolded, the crowd at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center was dominated by Filipino fans, cheering loudly for Eala. A young girl, the lone supporter of Ruse, was seen waving a giant yellow tennis ball.
When Eala was ultimately defeated, she couldn't contain her tears. The crowd offered words of encouragement and consolation, shouting phrases like "Don't worry," "It's alright," "You're still young," "Good game," and "Good job Alex. Next year, next year."
Eala tossed her blue towel to Roger King, a Filipino fan seated in the front row. King, who had taken the day off from work to watch the match, caught the towel with a cheer from his friends. As Eala walked off the court, King offered words of encouragement, telling her, "Be patient, your time is coming."
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