Filipina tennis prodigy Alex Eala expressed her gratitude to supporters as she won her historic win at the 2022 US Open on September 11, Sunday.
The 17-year-old Alexandra Eala becomes the first Filipino to win a junior Grand Slam singles title.
Eala was emotional in her victory speech. She spoke in Filipino (Tagalog), the Philippines’ official language, moments after making history as the first Philippine champion of the US Open Tennis girls singles Grand Slam.
“Unang-una gusto ko lang magpasalamat sa pamilya ko. Kasi kung hindi para sa kanila, hindi ko to kakayanin. Maraming salamat din sa lahat ng nagdasal, nagsuporta sa akin.”
[First of all, I want to thank my family. If not for them, I wouldn’t be able to do this. Thank you to all who prayed and supported me.” ]
Eala then gave thanks to her sponsors.
“Buong puso ko itong pinaglaban. Hindi lang para sa sarili ko, kundi para makatulong sa kinabukasan ng Philippine tennis… hindi lang ito panalo ko, panalo natin lahat.” she said while in tears.
[“I fought this with all my heart. This win is not just for me but also for the future of Philippine tennis. This win is for all of us.”]
Alexandra Eala beats Lucie Havlickova in straight sets (6-2, 6-4).
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