US Open 2025: Alex Eala vs. Cristina Bucșa – Preview, Prediction, Where to watch in the Philippines, and Outlook, for August 27, 2025

After contrasting but equally inspiring first-round wins, Alex Eala and Cristina Bucșa now clash in the US Open second round in New York. Eala rides the momentum of her historic upset over world No. 14 Clara Tauson, while Bucșa comes in with the poise of a seasoned campaigner after a commanding win against Claire Liu. With both players entering in solid form but carrying different strengths, their matchup promises to be a test of youth and flair against experience and consistency.

Recent US Open Highlights

• Alex Eala created history in her US Open debut, becoming the first Filipino in the Open Era to win a main-draw match at a Grand Slam. She staged a stirring comeback from 5-1 down in the third set to defeat 14th seed Clara Tauson, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11), collapsing to the court in tears amid a supportive crowd. 
• Cristina Bucșa advanced smoothly to the second round after defeating American qualifier Claire Liu with an assertive 6-2, 6-1 scoreline. Despite arriving in New York under physical duress—short on rest and battling stomach issues—she credited her mental strength for overcoming the challenge. 

Recap of Recent Matches

• Alex Eala: A breakout year continues, with memorable runs at elite events—semifinals in Miami and a finals appearance in Eastbourne—that propelled her into the WTA Top 75. Her dramatic win over Tauson was a major milestone on both a personal and national level. 
• Cristina Bucșa: The 27-year-old Spaniard, previously ranked as high as No. 56, brings a wealth of experience, having reached the Round of 32 at Wimbledon and played in numerous Grand Slam and WTA events. 

Key Factors

• Momentum & Emotional Surge – Eala
  Riding high off her emotional comeback win, Eala enters with confidence and crowd backing. Her left-handed, aggressive baseline play remains a strong weapon. 
• Composure & Tour Savvy – Bucșa
  Bucșa’s clinical performance against Liu—despite off-court challenges—underscores her consistency and mental fortitude. 
• Experience Gap
  While Eala continues to build her Grand Slam journey, this will be Bucșa’s eighth appearance in a major main draw—experience that could play a pivotal role in tight rallies. 

   Betting Odds

• FanDuel listed Bucșa as a strong favorite over Eala in the first round at approximately –152, highlighting her consistency. 
• Alex Eala is positioned as a long-shot to win the tournament, with futures odds around +6600. 
• No odds for Eala vs. Bucșa have been posted yet, but the betting action suggests Bucșa has the slight edge — though Eala’s upset potential cannot be discounted.

Where to Watch in the Philippines

Filipino fans can catch the US Open action through the following platforms:

• SPOTV holds exclusive TV broadcast rights for the US Open across Southeast Asia. 
• SPOTV NOW offers the Tennis All Access Pass — a one-time annual purchase giving full, ad-free streaming of Wimbledon and the US Open without recurring fees. 
• TAP Sports / Premier Sports (via Cignal or TAP’s Blast TV) may offer US Open coverage subject to sublicensing, but SPOTV remains the confirmed official rights holder. 

Match Outlook & Prediction

The match promises a compelling clash of styles: Eala’s flair and momentum versus Bucșa’s composure and tactical discipline. If Eala continues her inspired form and keeps unforced errors low, she has a strong chance to shock again.

However, Bucșa’s steady mentality and cleaner execution make her the slight favorite in this contest.

Predicted Winner: Cristina Bucșa in three tight sets, although upset by Alex Eala is always possible 

FAMILIAR FOE ON THE BIG STAGE

Almost four years since their initial clash at the W25 Grenoble tournament, Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala is set to face off against Paris Olympic bronze medalist Cristina Bucşa once again, this time in the second round of the 2025 #USOpen. pic.twitter.com/X8RSNozvwb

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 26, 2025

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