Alex Eala eyes redemption at Guadalajara after US Open, faces Dutch Arianne Hartono

Fresh from her historic run at the US Open, Filipino tennis star Alex Eala is set to return to action at the Guadalajara Open in Mexico, aiming to build on her momentum and continue her climb in the WTA rankings.

The 20-year-old Eala made headlines last week when she stunned world No. 14 Clara Tauson in a dramatic first-round victory, becoming the first Filipino in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam main draw singles match.

Although her campaign ended in the second round with a loss to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa (4-6, 3-6), Eala’s breakthrough performance cemented her status as one of the brightest young stars in women’s tennis.

In Guadalajara, Eala will enter as the No. 2 seed in the 125-level event, opening her campaign against the Netherlands’ Arianne Hartono around 12 a.m. (Manila time) on September 3. The matchup brings a familiar foe, as Eala holds a perfect 3-0 record against the 29-year-old Dutchwoman.

Their rivalry dates back to August 2023 at the Roehampton 2 semifinal in Great Britain, where Eala prevailed, 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-1, before going on to win her fourth professional singles crown.

Alex Eala: I’ve never in my life felt so loved on a tennis court. Filipino tennis sensation now begins her campaign at Guadalajara Open. @gulf_news @EalaAlexandra @WTA @usopen https://t.co/eRvnsPb5gW pic.twitter.com/FXTsHviLGD

— Gulf News Sport (@GulfNewsSport) August 31, 2025

Since then, the Filipina ace has defeated Hartono twice more—at the Canberra 125 in Australia (6-3, 6-3) and at the W100 Bengaluru in India (6-2, 6-1) earlier this year.

Currently ranked world No. 75, Eala continues to draw praise for her balanced style—combining aggressive baseline play with improved consistency in long rallies.

A product of the Rafael Nadal Academy in Spain, she has already collected four professional singles titles and two doubles championships at just 20 years old.

Following Guadalajara, Eala’s hectic schedule takes her to Brazil for the São Paulo Open from September 8 to 14, as she eyes a strong finish to the season and a potential Top 50 breakthrough in the WTA rankings.

For Philippine sports fans, Eala’s journey is more than just personal success—it is the realization of a dream long sought by a tennis-loving nation eager to see one of its own shine on the global stage.

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