By Mark Rey Montejo
Nearly a week after her US Open second-round showdown against Alex Eala, Oleksandra Oliynykova experienced the warmth of the "bayanihan" spirit thousands of miles away from her own home.
Oleksandra Oliynykova, of Ukraine, reacts during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships against Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Oleksandra Oliynykova, of Ukraine, reacts during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships against Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Nearly a week after her US Open second-round showdown against Alex Eala, Oleksandra Oliynykova experienced the warmth of the "bayanihan" spirit thousands of miles away from her own home.
The 25-year-old Ukrainian expressed her gratitude after her Filipino supporters contributed to her fund-raising activity which is aimed at boosting her country's military campaigns in the ongoing war against Russia.
“I want to thank you once again for all the kindness and meaningful support you’ve shown! I also have a little update to share: our website is now available in Tagalog, especially for my wonderful supporters and friends from the Philippines,” Oliynykova wrote.
The Kyiv, Ukraine native is hoping to raise 240,000 UAH (Ukrainian hryvnia) or around P338,022 to acquire generators, charging stations and other essential power equipment.
Those hardwares will be used by Ukraine’s 433rd Separate Regiment of Unmanned Systems.
“Thank you so much to everyone who supports, helps, shares, and stands with us,” said Oliynykova. “Let’s keep helping Ukraine together.”
Last Sept. 4, Oliynykova battled Eala in the second round of the final major which ultimately ended in a 6-1, 6-4 victory by the Filipina tennis ace.
