Little Manila, a one-block thicket of restaurants and businesses in Woodside, Queens, serves as the heart of Filipino culture in New York City. Just a 10-minute subway ride from the boisterous U.S. Open, momentum is building as Alex Eala, the young Filipino tennis star, starts her long-shot run to win one of the largest tournaments in the world. At a pop-up food market last weekend, Filipino New Yorkers expressed near-universal knowledge of Eala. "Facebook, Instagram, even in church, people are talking about her," said Llalen Cruzat, giving out free samples of kapeng barako.

Eala has reached icon status among Filipinos. Last month, the 21-year-old became the first tennis player from the Philippines — man or woman — to win a major singles title. Her success is giving the country and its diaspora a reason to unite. "She's the perfect representation of a Filipino lady," said Sharmaine Rivera, 47, an occupational therapist from Elmhurst, Queens. Rivera attended an early Eala exhibition match at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in nearby Flushing, packed with Filipino supporters.

Eala's first-round appearance at the Open took place on a humid, stormy Tuesday night. Because of a men's match that had run long, Eala's start time had been pushed to 10:15 p.m. Yet the line to get into the stadium was barely moving, a parade of shuffling but smiling fans, many of whom had paid over $300 to catch a glimpse. Two friends, Frances Sycip and Jenny Carrillo, left the chaos and ended up at Kusina Pinoy Bistro, watching the match on three television screens while ordering egg rolls, clear glass noodles, garlic rice and wine. Nearby, Filipino immigrants Ma-Ann and Samuel Sanchez watched enrapt with pig cheeks and San Miguel beers, proud that "she's the first."

The scene at Kusina was busy for a Tuesday night at 10:30, especially since it usually closes by 10. But it was calmer than what the owners had hoped for, which they attributed to the late start time, the bad weather and the fact that it was early in the tournament. Eala, they figured, would most likely whiz through this first challenge (she did, beating an American qualifier in two quick sets: 6-1, 6-2). But they predict rowdier times ahead, and will continue to host watch parties. For the roughly 50,000 Filipinos who live in Queens, getting to the Open in Flushing has been fast and affordable. This was especially true during Fan Week at the beginning of the tournament, when events are free or heavily discounted. When Eala played in the mixed doubles showcase, Filipino supporters poured into Louis Armstrong Stadium. Two days later, they overwhelmed Arthur Ashe Stadium...