By REYNALD MAGALLON
Alex Eala might have fallen short in the second round of the US Open but the messages of support are just as the same as when she claimed the historic first win for the Philippines in her first match.
Sleep deprived and all, with the match happening in the wee hours of Thursday, Aug. 28 (Manila time), the enthusiastic Filipino fans took to social media to express how proud they are for the 20-year-old Tennis princess despite dropping a 6-4, 6-3 decision against Cristina Bucsa of Spain.
Some shared their thoughts in the comment section of the official Tempo Facebook page.
“Not bad Alex. You’ve done your best. We’re still proud of you,” said commenter Job Duyao
“Not (the) end of (the) world Alex. Train hard (and) be ready for (the next) tournament. We love you despite the loss,” wrote another commenter Luvy Tapawan.
Other offer words of consolation and encouragement while other reminded her that even the greats of the other sports also suffer setbacks.
“Reaching the 2nd Round is already a blessing. So Congratulations pa rin for the job well done Alex! You still brought honor for our Country and for your beloved fans and family,” wrote Francisco Flores.
“Just keep on going, Alex. Loses are part of the game. You are just starting. Stay focused and develop more on your stamina! We love you!,” added Lu Roque.
“Tanggapin ang pagkatalo at bumangon ulit parang si Pacquiao natalo ni Marquez
pero lumaban uli,” commented Jack Juntillo, citing the comeback of Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao after suffering tough knockout loss at the hands of Mexican rival Juan Manuel Marquez.
True enough, Eala still has a long way to go with her career.
For one, people tend to forget that it was also only this year when she made a huge leap in her tennis career.
If anything, her current success could only be a glimpse of her bright future.
As one commenter put it by citing a quote from NBA legend Michael Jordan, failure is just part of the process to become great
“WORDS OF WISDOM – “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and miss. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed” – GOAT Michael Jeffrey Jordan,” commented Mike Cardenas.
