A year after simply breaking into the US Open main draw, Alex Eala returns to New York carrying something far more valuable — belief.

The 21-year-old Filipina sensation is no longer just happy to be part of the season’s final Grand Slam as she enters this year’s tournament as one of the hottest names in the Women’s Tennis Association Tour and the world No. 18.

Ahead of her first-round showdown with world No. 122 and home bet Mary Stoiana, Eala said a year of competing against the sport’s best players has given her greater confidence to make a deep run at Flushing Meadows.

On paper, the Filipino ace has the upper hand against the 23-year-old Stoiana, who survived the US Open qualifiers and delivered a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Yue Yuan of China to formalize her main draw inclusion.

“I have experienced so much growth in the past year and so many milestones in my career. I’ve gotten to work closely with so many amazing tennis players. I’ve gotten to experience more of their work ethic, being in this environment a lot more,” Eala said.

“I’ve gotten to compete against the best of the best a lot more frequently.”

Eala was scheduled to open her campaign on Monday, with the time and venue yet to be announced as of press time.

But even before hitting her first ball in the main draw, the Filipina ace has already made her presence felt in New York.

A sea of Filipino flags greeted Eala during the “Stars of the Open” exhibition against world No. 14 Iva Jovic, with Filipino fans turning up in force at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“I think at the forefront of everything is gratitude. I’m very grateful for the support that my fans give me and that my supporters give me,” Eala said.

Her growing star power even caught the attention of Gilas Pilipinas star Jordan Clarkson, who praised Eala for carrying the Philippine flag on one of tennis’ biggest stages.

“You know, when you got Filipino blood, you take the whole country with you to hold pride and we’re everywhere. We’re doing a lot for the country and for the culture, so I think this has been a big year for the culture,” said Clarkson, who won the National Basketball Association title with the New York Knicks last June.

“You’re leading the way for tennis. The stadium looked great. There’s a lot of Filipino flags in there, so, well, I’m proud of you. I’m so proud of you, seriously.”

Eala’s projected path could set up a match with world No. 46 Oleksandra Oliynykova of Ukraine in the second round and another meeting with Jovic in the Last 32.

But for Eala, the rankings, projections and expectations will have to wait.

“I think what’s important is to have that foundation of, ‘I know what I can do. I know I’m strong, who I am as a person, what my character is,’” Eala said.

“And then, of course, the results may vary depending on the time of the year and how you’re doing at the moment.”