“What a Stupid Question!” — Fans Furious After Alex Eala Is Questioned About Scheduling Favouritism at US Open Press Conference: “I’m Not in Control”
During a recent interview at Flushing Meadows, Alex Eala was asked for her opinion on being scheduled to play on a bigger court than Grand Slam Champions at the US Open.
The Filipino responded honestly to the question, pointing out that the schedule was not in her control and that the question would be better posed to the organizers in charge.
“They’re saying Grand Slam Champions are playing outside… they’re implying sort of that the U.S. Open is giving you a special treatment,” the interviewer said.
“I’m grateful to be on Armstrong and to play on such an incredible court. But yeah, I don’t control the scheduling. My job is to be prepared for whatever court they put me in and whoever I’m against,” the Filipino responded.
Soon, fans flocked to defend Eala, criticizing the interviewer and lauding the 21-year-old for her fitting reply.
“EXACTLY. So stop blaming or hating on Eala for things that are completely out of her control,” a fan wrote.
“What a stupid question, did the journalist think she was asking the tournament where to play?” another fan commented
“This is US Open Press con, stop with these tabloid-caliber questions!!” another fan slammed the media
“What answer was that reporter wanting to get from Alex? These Filipino reporters are embarrassing themselves. Ugh,” another fan wrote.
Alex Eala makes honest admission after reaching third round of the US Open for the first time
In a post-game interview, the current World No. 19 revealed the driving force behind her third-round win at the US Open. The Filipino beat Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova in a dominant 6-1, 6-4 match to set a new personal record.
The match took place on Louis Armstrong Stadium, Flushing Meadows’ second-largest show court. The crowd was filled with Filipino flags, as they came to show support for their nation’s pride in person.
“I think my patience and the consistency of my focus, I think that was the key to winning the match today,” Alex Eala said on-court after the match.
Eala tactfully converted five of seven of her break points, scored on 11 of 16 points behind her second serve, and won 59 of the 94 points played.
Four years ago, the Filipino tennis star won the US Open junior title on a smaller court. Alex Eala will play against 14th seed Iva Jovic in the third round of the US Open on Saturday, September 5.
