By REYNALD MAGALLON
NBA star Jordan Clarkson turned into a fanboy along with other Filipino sporting stars and thousands others watching from around the globe after Alex Eala made history in the first round of the US Open
The 20-year-old tennis princess became the very first Filipino to ever win a Grand Slam match in the open era and she did it in the most dramatic fashion after having to battle back 1-5 third set deficit before pulling off a 6-3, 2-6, 7(13)-6(11) win over world No.14 Clara Tauson of Denmark.
Of course, the historic win not only echoed in the loud cheers from the Filipino fans inside the Grandstand in New York but also resonated all throughout the social media with Filipino-American Clarkson leading the celebration online.
The Knicks star shared a post on his Instagram story, hailing Eala for making history for the Philippines. Clarkson was actually one of biggest stars who was in attendance for the opening day action of the US Open
And it was not the first time that Clarkson went his way to show support to Eala as he was also in the Wimbledon Open.
Other world-class Filipino stars likewise celebrated Eala with world No.5 pole vaulter EJ Obiena also sharing a story about Eala with a caption: Define Laban.
Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, Paris Olympian Sam Catantan, Filipinas defender Hali Long and present and former Gilas Pilipinas standouts Kevin Quiambao, Gabe Norwood, Camile Clarin and Jack Animam also expressed their joy of seeing Eala make history.
San Miguel Beer star Chris Ross who is on a vacation, was even at the stands when Eala dropped to her back on the court and covered her face with both hands in apparent disbelief but mostly in joy after winning the first round of the US Open.
“Witnessed history!” wrote Ross.
“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’s Round 1 at Grandstand, it was the best decision! She was magical out there.”
