Alexandra Eala returns to the US Open as the Philippines’ highest-ranked player
Alexandra Eala arrived at the 2026 US Open as the Philippines’ highest-ranked tennis player, carrying a career-best world No. 18 ranking and a rapidly growing international following. She had also recently won her first tour-level singles title and defeated Iga Świątek at Wimbledon, but the available coverage does not establish the result of her US Open opening match. (The Guardian)
Alexandra Eala returns to the US Open as the Philippines’ highest-ranked player
Eala, 21, entered the tournament after a breakthrough summer. She won her first WTA singles title in Washington, D.C., and later defeated defending Wimbledon champion Iga Świątek in straight sets, according to The Guardian. Her rise to No. 18 made her the highest-ranked player in Philippine tennis history, as well as the highest-ranked Southeast Asian player in women’s tennis history, according to The New Yorker. (The New Yorker)
Her Washington title run included wins over Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka and top seed Jessica Pegula. Earlier in the year, she had also reached the fourth round at Indian Wells and Miami. Those results helped establish her as more than a promising young player before her return to New York.
The New Yorker described Eala as the first Filipino to win a junior Grand Slam, defeat a top-10 opponent, win a Grand Slam match, reach the fourth round at Wimbledon, win a WTA tournament and enter the top 20. The publication also reported that fans in the Philippines organize watch parties for her matches, including contests that begin after midnight because of the time difference.
Filipino supporters filled US Open practice courts
The strongest sign of Eala’s growing profile at Flushing Meadows came before her first-round match. Fans carrying Philippine flags and wearing “Laban Alex” hats filled the seats around a practice court, with some spectators arriving even though they did not have tickets for the evening session, according to an Associated Press report published by TSN. (Alex Eala’s many fans descend on US Open, bearing Filipino flags and lots of love)
The crowd included Filipino Americans from New York, Florida and elsewhere, as well as visitors from the Philippines. Several fans told the AP that Eala’s achievements were meaningful because she represents Filipino identity in a sport where they had not previously seen someone who looked or spoke like them. The report said some supporters were attending their first tennis tournament because of her.
The New Yorker similarly reported that Eala’s practice court reached capacity while nearby courts featuring Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka had available seats. It said tournament schedulers had moved some of her matches to larger courts to meet demand, and cited organizers who linked her presence to unusually strong ticket interest.
Her US Open week included major exhibition appearances
Before singles play began, Eala appeared in several high-profile events. The Guardian reported that she played mixed doubles with Felix Auger-Aliassime, took part in an Arthur Ashe Stadium event honouring Roger Federer and appeared in the Stars of the Open exhibition. Her exhibition highlights reportedly attracted one million views in less than 24 hours. (The Guardian)
She also met New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson at Flushing Meadows. Heavy reported that their conversation focused on representing the Philippines and bringing Filipino culture into global sport. Clarkson had represented the Philippines at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, while Eala spoke about trying to make tennis bigger in a country known for its passion for basketball. (Heavy)
The reports differ on whether Eala’s first-round match was scheduled for Monday or Tuesday night, and none of the supplied coverage gives a verified match result. Her latest established status is therefore her return to the US Open as a No. 18-ranked player surrounded by strong Filipino support.