Alex Eala’s US Open foe thanks Filipinos for Ukraine aid donations

Oleksandra Oliynykova says she was touched by the warm reception from Filipino fans after her US Open match against Eala.

Filipino fans who packed the US Open to cheer for tennis ace Alex Eala ended up extending their post-match support to her Ukrainian opponent, Oleksandra Oliynykova, whose home country is still facing war and invasion by Russia.

Eala defeated Oliynykova, 6-1, 6-4, on September 3 to reach the third round of the US Open. But the Ukrainian player was quick to notice her new fans and later said she was touched by the reception she received from Filipinos around the tournament grounds.

“I went for a little walk around the US Open grounds, and it was incredibly heartwarming to see how many people came up to me with kind words,” Oliynykova wrote on Instagram, thanking those who also sent her messages and comments online.

She also addressed Filipino supporters directly, writing, “Mahigpit na yakap sa aking mga tagahanga sa Pilipinas!” and describing their support as warm, sincere, and admirable.

The support extended beyond words, as Filipino fans also responded to a fundraising appeal Oliynykova had been promoting to support Ukraine, with reports saying the campaign to purchase generators and computers reached its initial fundraising goal after the Eala match.

Oliynykova, 25, was born in Kyiv and represents Ukraine on the professional tennis circuit. She said she is using her global exposure to provide help and support for her home country.

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