SMB star Chris Ross was in attendance to witness Alex Eala’s historic US Open victory, where she stunned world no. 14 Clara Tauson to become the first Filipino in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam singles match.
San Miguel Beermen veteran Chris Ross was among the Filipinos in New York who witnessed Alex Eala’s historic breakthrough at the US Open.
Ross, who was in attendance at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center with his family, shared his excitement online after watching the Filipina ace overcome world no. 14 Clara Tauson in a dramatic three-set duel.
“Witnessed history!!! I wanted my first major tournament match to be in the final weekend in Arthur Ashe Stadium but once I had the opportunity to watch Alex Eala round 1 at Grandstand it was the best decision!! She was magical out there,” Ross posted on Instagram. “Down 5-1 in the final set and won 5 straight games and then won the tiebreak was LEGENDARY!!!”
On X, the Beermen guard added: “First tennis match watching live!!! Was worth every penny and every second spent!!! Well done Ms Alex Eala!!!”
The moment was nothing short of monumental. By stunning Tauson with the sensational comeback, Eala became the first Filipino in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam main draw singles match, cementing her place in Philippine tennis history.
For the 20-year-old, the victory meant more than just advancing—it was about identity and belonging.
“To be a Filipino is something I take so much pride in,” Eala said after the match. “I don’t have a home tournament. To be able to have a community here at the US Open, I’m so grateful that they made me feel like home.”
Indeed, the stands erupted with Filipino cheers that Ross himself described as overwhelming: “I don’t know how many Filipinos were in the stands but it felt like it was the whole stadium!!! We really do travel everywhere and support our own!!”
Eala’s feat also drew support back home, with TNT Tropang 5G head coach Chot Reyes joining in the chorus of praise for the young star.
Photo: Coach Chot Reyes/Instagram
As Ross and countless kababayans celebrated in New York, one thing was clear: Eala’s triumph was not only a personal milestone but also a unifying moment for the Filipino community worldwide.
Read the whole post here: