Alex Eala exits US Open after second round loss to lower-ranked Spanish foe

Metro Manila, Philippines - Alex Eala's journey in the 2025 US Open ended after a disappointing loss to Spain's Cristina Bucsa, 4-6, 3-6, in the second round on Thursday (Manila time) in Queens, New York.

Eala, ranked 75th in the world, held a 4-3 advantage in the first but squandered two break points as the world No. 95 Bucsa saved three break points to grab the lead and steal the set.

Eala continued to commit mistakes in the second, compiling a total of 21 unforced errors compared to Bucsa who only had 12 in the entire match.

A costly double fault by Eala in the fifth game of the second set handed Bucșa a 3-2 edge as the Spaniard seized the momentum and never looked back.

Despite the loss, this run was one to remember for the 20-year-old Eala as she became the first Filipino to win a grand slam singles main draw match in the Open Era after stunning world No. 14 Clara Tauson in three thrilling sets.

Eala takes home a prize money of $154,000 (about ₱8.8 million).