Metro Manila, Philippines – Alex Eala stunned world No. 14 Clara Tauson of Denmark, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(11), to advance to the second round of the 2025 US Open women’s singles tournament in Queens, New York on Monday.
“It was so difficult. She’s a huge player, she’s a great player, and definitely not an easy draw in the first round,” Eala said.
Feeding off the energy of the crowd, the 20-year-old Eala fought her way back from a 1-5 deficit in the third set with four straight wins to level at 5-all.
“I’m so grateful that they made me feel like I’m home,” Eala said about the predominantly Filipino fans in attendance.
Eala, currently ranked 75th in the world, finally put the big-serving Tauson on her fifth match point in a game that lasted two hours and 36 minutes.
With this victory, Eala became the first Filipino to win a main draw singles grand slam match in the Open Era.
Eala has now beaten four of the top 20 players in the world this year.
Eala already had previous success in Flushing Meadows as she captured the US Open girls singles title back in 2022.
Eala will next face the winner between Cristina Bucsa and Claire Liu in the next round.
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‘THEY MADE ME FEEL LIKE I’M HOME’ 🇵🇭❤️
WATCH: Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala thanks the Filipino community in the United States for their support during her first round win at US Open 2025.
Eala claims a historic victory, becoming the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam match in… pic.twitter.com/Sq6ANJ667t
— NewsWatch Plus PH (@newswatchplusph) August 24, 2025
