Filipina tennis star Alex Eala set for US Open debut

Dubai: After a summer interrupted by injury, Alex Eala is back where her tennis dreams began — set to make her US Open main-draw debut, 10 years after winning the junior title. The 20-year-old Filipina, who slipped two places to world No 70, will play in the women’s singles at Flushing Meadows from August 24 to September 7, marking a key milestone in her growing professional career.

Eala has already tasted Grand Slam main-draw action this year, competing at the French Open and Wimbledon. At Wimbledon, she pushed defending champion Barbora Krejcikova to three sets before exiting 6-3, 2-6, 1-6, signaling her potential to challenge the top tier of the women’s game.

Her journey to New York, however, has been far from smooth. Eala suffered a left shoulder injury at the National Bank Open in Montreal, where she started strong by taking the first set against former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 6-3, before the injury disrupted her rhythm in the third set, resulting in a 6-3, 1-6, 2-6 loss. The setback forced her to withdraw from subsequent tournaments, including the Cincinnati Open and Monterrey Open.

Despite the summer’s interruptions, Eala has returned to full training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, where she has developed her game since her junior days. Less than two weeks after her injury, she was back on court, working on her forehands and overall match fitness.

Eala’s recent dip in the WTA rankings has not shaken her focus. “There’s no pressure on me,” she said, emphasising her goal of enjoying the experience and improving week by week. Her calm, measured approach reflects a maturity that belies her age.

Off the court, Eala’s rising profile continues to attract attention. She recently appeared on the cover of Town & Country magazine, highlighting her growing global recognition. With a combination of skill, poise, and charisma, she is quickly becoming one of tennis’ most watched young talents.

As she prepares for her first US Open main-draw match, all eyes will be on the 20-year-old left-hander to see if she can turn her junior promise and WTA breakthroughs into a strong showing at one of tennis’ most prestigious stages as she targets maiden win in a Grand Slam.