2022 US Open women’s singles champion Alex Eala has described Serena Williams and Roger Federer as an inspiration to many, but noted that their retirements demonstrate that “they’re people too.”
Williams and Federer, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in tennis history, both retired from professional tennis this year. Williams and Federer left a huge mark on tennis history and Eala hopes to be one of the players who will one day join them on the all-time greats list.
“These people paved the way for so many other young tennis players and young athletes. And it feels like they’ve been around forever and you feel like they can go on and on. But it’s a reminder that they are people too.
As much as they’ve done for the sport, they have to get on with their lives. I think it leaves room for the next generation to rise through the ranks naturally. And be [una inspiración] for the next generations,” Eala told Vogue.
Eala on winning the US Open
The 17-year-old Eala had an impressive run in Flushing Meadows this year as she won the US Open women’s singles title without dropping a set. By winning the US Open, Eala became the first Filipina junior to win a Major.
Reflecting on his win, Eala revealed that he “didn’t have any expectations” going into the tournament, adding that having his family around helped him relax and truly enjoy his time in Flushing Meadows.
I tried not to think too much [en el título]. And I tried not to think that I had to win. I had no expectations. That was the difference with other years, I played game by game instead of [pensar en] win everything
I think the presence of my brother and my family has helped me a lot. He helped me relax and, you know, enjoy myself before the game and not really think about what was going on,” Eala explained.
Eala, who will turn 18 next May, is in 219th place in the world rankings. Eala is one of the most promising players on the WTA Tour and now dreams of one day winning a Grand Slam at the professional level.
