MANILA – Alexandra Eala made a historic breakthrough at the US Open after stunning 14th seed Clara Tauson in a dramatic three-set victory to advance to the second round on Sunday night (Monday in the Philippines).
The 19-year-old Filipina tennis sensation overcame a 1-5 deficit in the deciding set before prevailing, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11), in a thrilling first-round clash at Flushing Meadows in New York City.
With the victory, Eala became the first Filipina tennis player to reach the second round of the US Open women’s singles main draw.
Backed by a loud contingent of Filipino fans waving flags inside the stadium, Eala showed composure beyond her years, rallying from the brink against Tauson, who is ranked inside the world’s top 20.
“To be Filipino is something I take so much pride in here at the US Open. I’m so grateful they make me feel like I’m home,” Eala remarked in a post-game interview.
Eala, who is ranked No. 75 in the competition, took the opening set, 6-3, behind aggressive baseline play but dropped the second, 2-6, as the Danish favorite found her rhythm.
Tauson then surged to a commanding lead in the decider before Eala mounted a spirited comeback, ultimately sealing the win on her fifth match point after a tense 13-11 tiebreaker.
“Oh my God it was so difficult she is a huge player, not an easy draw. I’m so happy I dig deep… Push physically mentally,” Eala said on her US Open debut.
Previously, Eala won the US Open juniors singles title in 2022, but had failed to qualify for the main draw in the seniors level the past two years
Eala, a former junior world No. 2 player, now stands on the verge of further history as she prepares for her second-round assignment on Wednesday./PN
