Alex Eala goes mainstream with ‘CBS Mornings’ appearance

Photos from alex.eala/Instagram, CBS Mornings

NEW YORK – Alex Eala has gone from making headlines on the tennis court to taking a seat at the “CBS Mornings” table.

Fresh off her best US Open run yet, the Filipina tennis star joined Gayle King, Norah O’Donnell and Nate Burleson on the popular morning show, marking another big moment in her growing profile in the US.

For the 21-year-old Eala, it was another sign of just how much her world has changed.

She talked about tennis, her family and the growing number of people cheering her on, especially Filipinos who have packed the stands at her matches.

Power of representation

With that support comes pressure.

“It definitely comes with pressure,” Eala said. “But pressure is a privilege.”

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Eala said the past year has also shown her that what she does on the court can mean much more to people watching from the stands or from home.

“One thing I’ve learned this past year is the power of representation and how deep of an effect inspiration can have,” she said. “When I interact with the people who support me and they tell me their stories, it really touches me.”

Breakout US Open run

The interview came just days after Eala’s US Open run ended in the third round against close friend Iva Jovic.

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Eala gave the American a tough fight inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, taking her to three sets before falling, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, in a match that lasted about three hours.

The loss ended her tournament, but it did little to slow the buzz around her.

Eala arrived at the US Open already enjoying a breakout season. She has climbed to a career-high No. 18 in the world and has become an increasingly familiar face to American tennis fans.

Along the way, she has also found herself sharing the court with some of the players she once watched on television.

From fan to rising star

During the “CBS Mornings” interview, Eala talked about being around stars such as Venus Williams and Coco Gauff.

Even Gauff, who is close to Eala in age, was someone the Filipina grew up watching.

“I grew up alongside her, kind of, watching her on TV,” Eala said.

Now Eala is the one appearing on American TV.

And while her own US Open run may be over, she still has a favorite in the women’s draw.

Asked who she was rooting for in the quarterfinals, Eala quickly picked Gauff.

It was a fitting choice for Eala, who has gone from watching stars like Gauff on TV to becoming one herself.