FILIPINA tennis sensation Alex Eala is ready to make waves in the tennis world once again, as she gears up for her highly anticipated debut in the US Open main draw, where she will face Denmark’s Clara Tauson.
In the opening round of this year’s final Grand Slam event, 20-year-old Eala is faced with a challenging task as she takes on World No. 15 Tauson, one of Denmark’s top-ranked and most promising players.
The Rafa Nadal Academy graduate is also returning from a two-week break caused by a shoulder injury. However, once medically cleared, she immediately resumed training in Mallorca, Spain, to prepare for her US Open debut.
“I feel so fortunate to be here, especially coming back from an injury recently. I’m just happy to be healthy and being fit to compete,” Eala told a media in an interview.
Upset Queen
Reflecting on her journey, Eala is no stranger to the spotlight of the US Open, having already experienced success on its grand stage. In 2022, she captured the US Open girls’ singles title, making history as the first Filipino to ever win a junior Grand Slam crown.
“I feel, physically, more fit now, syempre mas experienced na ako ngayon. Mas maraming dinaanan, I’ve gained lots of experience. So, I’ll try to lean on that kapag medyo in trouble bukas,” she shared.
Despite the valuable experience she’s gained in this year’s busy season—highlighted by her Cinderella run at the Miami Open where she defeated former Grand Slam champions—Tauson remains a dangerous opponent who must be taken out early.
“It’s a great battle. I mean she’s a great, great player. But I think that there’s no easy draws here, so it doesn’t matter who you play, you just have to go out with the same mindset and focus in yourself,” Eala explained.
“Mautak ako. I know how to use the weapons that I have. I’m not the biggest on the tour, I’m not the fastest on the tour, so there has to be something that’s different for me,” Eala added when asked about her edge.
Challenging Path Ahead
Alex Eala is currently enjoying the best season of her professional career, following standout performances in the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. Still, she’ll need to summon another extraordinary effort for the US Open.
She opens against Clara Tauson in the first round, and could potentially face World No. 36 Cristina Busa of Spain in the second, followed by World No. 31 Elise Mertens of Belgium in the third.
Deeper into the draw, possible opponents include No. 8 Jasmine Paolini, No. 10 Elena Rybakina, No. 4 Jessica Pegula, or No. 5 Mirra Andreeva. Should she make the final, she may find herself up against No. 6 Madison Keys, No. 3 Coco Gauff, or No. 2 Iga Swiatek.
Even so, nothing is out of reach for a determined competitor like Eala, who continues to prove that she belongs among the sport’s elite—and not just as a fleeting sensation.
With solid preparation in the lead-up to her opener against Tauson at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Eala is poised for another run that could make history for both her career and Philippine tennis.
