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Knicks news: Jordan Clarkson gets fired up for Alex Eala’s first US Open win appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Big Apple is buzzing because of the US Open at Flushing Meadows. New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson has embraced the mania, especially since he is rooting for someone with a similar heritage: Tennis sensation Alex Eala.Eala defeated Mary Stoiana, 6-1, 6-2, in the first round at Louis Armstrong Stadium on Tuesday, marking her first win at the US Open.Eala, who hails from the Philippines, has become a huge star because of her steady rise and charming personality. She has become a great ambassador for a country always hungry for international recognition.Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Clarkson, who is half-Filipino, was fired up by Eala’s historic victory.“Alex Eala! Let’s go,” wrote the 34-year-old guard on X.Recently, Clarkson and Eala linked up and talked about their shared heritage. The 21-year-old Eala was almost star-struck to meet Clarkson, who won his first ring with the Knicks. The former Sixth Man of the Year, in turn, told Eala how proud he is of her for “leading the way” in tennis for the Philippines.“You know, when you got Filipino blood, you take the whole country with you to hold pride, and we’re everywhere,” said Clarkson.Jordan Clarkson and Alex Elana met each other yesterday at the US Open and chatted about their Filipino culture 🇵🇭Video by @espnW on Instagram pic.twitter.com/16eKSDJiTJ— Mauro (@muhfuknfunnyguy) August 28, 2026Clarkson played for the Philippines in the 2018 Asian Games and the 2023 FIBA World Cup, so he knows exactly how overly passionate Filipinos can get in supporting one of their own.In March, Eala met with Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who is half-Filipino as well. Eala, who was then competing at the Miami Open, reminded Spoelstra of their earlier deal that he would watch her play.Eala will face Oleksandra Oliynykova in the second round of the US Open.Related: Knicks star Jalen Brunson drops NSFW take on 4-word nicknameRelated: Ex-Knicks star’s Derrick Rose hot take on Jalen Brunson grabs attention