Tennis star Alex Eala reflects on how life turned ‘crazy’ after Miami

Dubai: Alex Eala isn’t carrying the weight of expectations into her biggest Grand Slam moment yet. Instead, the 20-year-old Filipino tennis star is choosing to soak in the experience as she prepares to make her US Open main draw debut later this month in New York.

Eala, ranked No 56 in the world, has earned direct entry into the women’s singles draw of the US Open, scheduled from August 24 to September 7 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. She becomes the first Filipina to feature in the tournament’s main draw — three years after winning the junior title at the same venue.

Yet for all the significance, Eala is determined to keep things simple.

“There’s no pressure for me because I’m still young and it’s still a new experience for me,” she said during a meet-and-greet while enjoying a short break in Manila, media reported. “I just have to enjoy it. I have to take advantage of that.”

Her relaxed mindset comes in the midst of a breakout season that has seen her rise from outside the top 100 to a career-high No 56 in the WTA rankings. She has enjoyed success on hard courts all year, including a run to the fourth round in Miami and her first WTA final at Eastbourne on grass.

This steady progress has also translated to earnings: Eala has already made close to $600,000 this season in prize money, and her Wimbledon appearance pushed her career total past $1 million — a landmark achievement for the young pro.

“My fitness has really improved — I’m lasting longer on court, and I can maintain a high level,” she said. “My movement is better, my forehand has improved… a lot of small adjustments have clicked this year.”

In between tournaments, Eala spent time in the Philippines reconnecting with family, fans, and long-time partners. She also reflected on the whirlwind season and the importance of staying grounded.

“I was talking to one of my coaches about how crazy things changed before and after Miami. Suddenly, more doors opened, more attention. But everything I’m doing is still the same — our routines, the people around me,” she said.

“I realised… when you’re doing bad, it’s not as bad as you think. And when you’re doing good, it’s also not as good as you think. It’s never too bad or too good — it just depends.”

Eala will ramp up her preparations with appearances at the National Bank Open in Montreal (July 26 — August 7) and the Cincinnati Open (August 5—18), before a final stop in Monterrey, Mexico. She’s expected to face top-tier opponents in all three tournaments, including world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Grand Slam champions Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff.

But for Eala, the coming weeks are about more than just results.

“There’s still so much for me to achieve,” she said. “Of course, I want my first Grand Slam main draw win. But right now, I just want to enjoy playing on this stage.”