NOW that’s how you open a tournament — Filipina tennis star Alex Eala knocks out World No. 14 Clara Tauson in a stunning upset during the US Open’s first round early Monday morning (Philippine Time).
The 20-year-old Eala added another milestone to her already remarkable year, becoming the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam main draw singles match in the Open era early this morning.
Backed by a crowd of passionate, flag-waving Filipinos in New York, Eala made her US Open main draw debut memorable, rallying past Tauson with a gritty come-from-behind 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(11) win.
This victory stands out as one of her most meaningful, making history when she won the Girls’ singles title here in 2022, but falling short in the qualifiers of both the 2023 and 2024 tournaments.
What a Win
Tauson, one of Denmark’s top tennis stars, looked sharp from the start, holding serve with powerful shots to take a 1-0 lead. But Eala responded right away with solid baseline play to even it at 1-all.
In a tight third set, Eala earned four break chances, but Tauson held firm with strong first serves to go up 2-1. Eala found her rhythm next, firing her signature groundstrokes to level things at 2-2.
The Filipina broke serve in the fifth game with sharp returns and aggressive play, then held serve for a 4-2 edge. From there, Eala stayed locked in, closing out the first set 6-3.
Tauson, aware of what was at stake, came out focused in the second, breaking early and controlling the rallies. She took the set 6-2, sending the match into a deciding third.
In the final set, Tauson jumped to a 5-1 lead with big serves making the difference. However, just as the match seemed out of reach, Eala caught fire, rallying to 5-all and then holding for a 6-5 lead.
Tauson pushed it to a tiebreak, setting up a tense finish. Eala finally sealed the deal on her fifth match point, 13-11, as the crowd of Filipinos in the stands roared in celebration.
Pinoy Pride
Playing in New York is a challenge in itself, and being down 5-1 even more so. But Eala drew strength from the loud, passionate support of her kababayans, who cheered her on every point, fueling her comeback for the flag.
“To be Filipino is something I take so much pride in,” the emotional Eala said during the post-game interview. “It’s so special. They [Filipino fans] make me more and more special.”
“I don’t have a home tournament, so to be able to have this community here at the US Open, I’m so grateful that they made me feel like I’m home,” she added.
For Eala, the breakthrough meant more than just a victory. It was a proud moment for the nation, adding to a standout year that already includes a semifinal finish at the Miami Open last March.
“I’m always in the mood for more history,” Eala said with a smile. “This match is one for the books for me.”
With the win, Eala not only secured her maiden US Open main-draw victory, but also made history as the first Filipina to reach the tournament’s second round.
