Alex Eala may have lost her first match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, but the experience was exactly what she needed before the US Open.

The 21-year-old Filipina star absorbed a 3-6 loss to home bet and world No. 14 Iva Jovic in the “Stars of the Open” exhibition last Friday, but the result mattered little as Eala finally got a taste of competing inside tennis’ biggest stage.

For Eala, simply stepping onto the court that has hosted some of the sport’s most historic moments since opening in 1997 was already special.

“It’s special being in this court in New York. I remember when I played in juniors and I asked myself when I am going to get to play here,” Eala said.

“This is my first time playing Iva, and there’s no one I would rather share the court with.”

The Washington Open champion and Jovic made the most of the occasion, turning the one-set exhibition into a lighthearted affair that included an impromptu doubles match with their fathers, Mike Eala and Bojan Jovic.

The two close friends even exchanged compliments in each other’s languages.

“We’ve been practicing some language, and I have my phrase down. Alex, ang galing mo (You’re so good),” Jovic, who is Serbian, said.

“Ti si najbolja!” Eala replied in Serbian.

But beyond the fun, the exhibition gave Eala exactly what she needed — a chance to feel the atmosphere and conditions she will encounter in the main draw.

“It’s a great way to practice against a great opponent. Amazing court, and you get the atmosphere of the match, so with the way I approach these matches, I focus on myself,” Eala said.

“It’s a good exercise to switch back and forth between fun and really locked in. It’s nice to let loose and have a little fun.”

Both players will enter the US Open as seeded competitors, with Eala holding the No. 17 seed and Jovic at No. 14.

Eala will open her campaign against a qualifier and could face Jovic again in the third round if the draw falls into place.

Meanwhile, Filipino fans will also get the chance to watch Eala compete on home soil when she faces world No. 35 Janice Tjen of Indonesia in “Alex Eala Live: Game. Set. Celebrate” at the Philippine Arena.

For Eala, returning home to play before her fellow Filipinos carries a different kind of pressure — and pride.

“Every time I play abroad, I carry the Philippines with me. To come home and play in front of our fans will be incredibly special,” said Eala, who competed in Manila last January in the Philippine Tennis Open at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“I want this to be a day where we celebrate our love for tennis, our culture and the young players who will take the sport forward. And if all of us come together, maybe we can make a little history, too.”