ALEX EALA’S dream of continuing her milestone journey in the US Open singles main draw came to an end after a second-round loss to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa early Thursday morning (Philippine Time).
What could have marked another historic feat for the 20-year-old Filipina tennis star instead ended in disappointment, as Bucsa’s composed and calculated play handed Eala her final Grand Slam defeat of the year, 4-6, 3-6.
The former Rafa Nadal Academy protégé suffered from a string of untimely unforced errors—costly mistakes especially against an experienced player like Bucsa—that ultimately gave away chances to shift the match in her favor.
Errors Took Their Toll
The opening set saw a back-and-forth battle, with Eala seemingly still finding her rhythm. World No. 95 Bucsa took the first game and set the tone with a 1-0 lead.
Eala, however, bounced back quickly, leveling the score and taking a 2-1 advantage. But the 27-year-old Spaniard responded strongly, showcasing her best form as the set progressed.
The match reached a deadlock multiple times, with Bucsa holding firm every time the score hit 40-all. Her steadiness allowed her to clinch the key points and edge past Eala to take the first set.
Entering the second set with urgency, Eala came out swinging, regaining momentum to grab another 2-1 lead. Bucsa then responded with a 3-2 lead, before Eala tied it again—though that would be her last push.
Ultimately, it was Eala’s 21 unforced errors—nearly double Bucsa’s 12—and a mere 3-of-9 break point conversion that proved decisive in ending her campaign in New York.
Taas Noo
As in her first-round upset of Denmark’s 14th seed Clara Tauson, Eala received tremendous support from Filipino fans who turned out at Court 7 of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Despite the loss, Eala had already carved her place in history by defeating Tauson in a thrilling 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13/11) match—becoming the first-ever Filipino to win a singles match in a Grand Slam main draw.
This marked another career peak for the rising star, who first turned heads with her breakout semifinal run at the Miami Open in March, where she took down several Grand Slam champions, including former world No. 1 Iga Swiatek of Poland.
Eala doesn’t go home empty-handed—she leaves New York with valuable experience and $154,000 (about P8.7 million) in prize money for her landmark first-round victory.
Filipino fans won’t have to wait long to see her back on the court, as Eala is set to compete next in the São Paulo Open from September 8 to 14 in Brazil.
The São Paulo event marks the city’s return to hosting a WTA tournament after 25 years, featuring a 32-player singles field that includes world No. 22 Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil and No. 47 Hailey Baptiste of the U.S.
