Alex Eala makes Philippine tennis history with win over world No. 14 Clara Tauson at 2025 US Open

Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala has firmly established herself as one of Southeast Asia’s brightest rising stars. The 20-year-old made history at the 2025 US Open in Flushing Meadows, New York, becoming the first Filipina woman to record a singles win at a Grand Slam in the Open era.

Eala pulled off a stunning upset against world No. 14 Clara Tauson of Denmark, winning 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 in a thrilling first-round match. Facing a 1-5 deficit in the deciding set, Eala displayed remarkable composure, rallying to claim victory and sending the crowd of 8,125 fans into a frenzy.

The fans’ enthusiastic support reportedly rattled Tauson, who complained to the referee about distractions during play.

“It’s so special. They make me feel even more special. Being Filipino is something I take immense pride in,” Eala said in her post-match press conference. “I don’t have a home tournament, so to have this community here at the US Open, I’m so grateful they made me feel at home.”

This victory marked Eala’s first time advancing to the second round of a major Grand Slam in her professional career. She had previously suffered first-round exits at the French Open in May and Wimbledon in June, and had not advanced past the qualifiers in 2023 and 2024. Notably, Eala made history at the same venue in 2022 when she captured the junior US Open girls’ singles title, becoming the first Philippine tennis player to win a Grand Slam event.

Alexandra Eala felt the 🇵🇭 support today at the US Open 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/jlFmsex4tZ

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 24, 2025

“I’m always in the mood for more history. This one is definitely one for the books for me,” Eala added.

Eala has yet to learn her opponent for the second round, but given the overwhelming support from Filipino fans in New York, she can expect to continue receiving vocal backing throughout the tournament.

The 2025 season has already been packed for Eala, who has competed in 17 international tournaments prior to the US Open, showcasing her commitment to establishing herself as a force on the global tennis stage.

With her historic win, Alex Eala not only continues to make Philippine tennis history but also signals that the next generation of Southeast Asian talent is ready to compete — and triumph — on the world stage.

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