Alex Eala signed her name into history books at Flushing Meadows as the first-ever player from the Philippines to win a Grand Slam singles match since the Open Era was introduced. The 20-year-old battled through an heart-thumping first-round match at the US Open, overcoming World No. 14 Clara Tauson of Denmark, in a 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(11) epic that put the stands at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at full standing cheers.
For a nation whose tennis had already been eclipsed by basketball and boxing, Eala’s victory is more than just one match, it’s that one moment that brings the Philippines to the big stage of tennis.
Battle of Nerves and Resilience
The match played out just like one of those vintage Grand Slam encounters. Having pushed Eala around in the first set came the counterattraction of heavy serves and ruthless pressure by Tauson throughout the second to overwhelm. By the third, the impression was that the Danish giant was dominant, gliding along at 5-1.
But champions are forged in adversity. Behind the wall, to coin a phrase, Eala tapped into all the determination she had learned at the Rafa Nadal Academy. With the ear-piercing “Let’s go Alex!” chants of the growing, noisier New York crowd spurring her on, she fought her way back into contention.
At 6-5, even Eala was leading with match point, but Tauson took it into a tiebreaker. That was preceded by an 18-minute heart-in-the-throat of tension and shot-by-shot mastery. Tauson’s 12 service aces kept her moving, but Eala’s 49-reception points and rock-like defense made the difference.
Ultimately, at 12-11 in the breaker, long was hit by a Tauson forehand. Eala crashed down on the court, face into the blue hard floor, while the fans stood up with a standing ovation.
“Push the Limit”
Breathless in her post-match interview, Eala acknowledged the enormity of the occasion.
“Oh my God. It was so so difficult. She’s a huge player, a great player, and definitely not an easy draw in the first round,” she added. “I was just thinking to push the limit, physically, mentally, this was it.”
Her style of play was typical of her idol and teacher Rafael Nadal, whose academy has imparted that mix of ferocity and humility.
The Stakes Ahead
Apart from taking Eala to the round of 64, the victory also earns her a $154,000 (approximately ₱8.7 million) prize money. The US Open this year has the largest ever tennis purse of $90 million. She then will play either Spain’s Cristina Bucsa or American Claire Liu, a chance to continue her Cinderella story on tennis’s biggest stage.
