NEW YORK — In a stunning display of grit and power, 19-year-old Filipina sensation Alexandra Eala carved her name into the history books on Sunday, becoming the first player from the Philippines to win a main-draw singles match at the US Open.
Eala, who entered the tournament via a wildcard into the qualifying rounds, completed a remarkable run through three qualifying matches before stunning world No. 41 and Australian Open semifinalist Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine in a dramatic three-set thriller, 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-4, on Court 4.
The victory, achieved in front of a raucous and supportive New York crowd, marks a monumental milestone for Philippine tennis. Eala, a former junior world No. 2 and 2022 US Open girls' singles champion, has now successfully transitioned her prodigious junior success to the grandest stage in the professional game, announcing her arrival as a force to be reckoned with.
A Grueling Path to Victory
The match was a rollercoaster of momentum swings that stretched over two hours and forty-five minutes. Yastremska, known for her explosive, flat groundstrokes, took the first set 7-5, capitalizing on a few loose errors from the young Filipino. However, Eala refused to be intimidated, digging deep in a tense second set that saw her save crucial break points to force a tiebreaker.
"I knew it was going to be a battle," Eala said in her post-match press conference. "She hits the ball very hard and very flat, so I had to stay low and try to take time away from her. I just tried to stay in the moment, point by point, and fight for every ball."
That fight was never more evident than in the second-set tiebreak, where Eala’s relentless defense and courageous shot-making turned the tide. She clinched the set 7-4, sending the match into a decisive third set and energizing the crowd that had firmly gotten behind the underdog.
Sealing the Deal and Making History
The final set was a test of physical and mental endurance. Both players traded heavy blows from the baseline, but it was Eala who found another gear. She secured a critical break of serve at 4-4, then coolly served out the match, sealing the historic win with a powerful forehand that Yastremska could only return into the net.
Eala dropped her racket and covered her face with her hands in a moment of pure disbelief and elation as the significance of the achievement washed over her. The victory was not just a personal triumph but a national one, celebrated by millions of fans back in the Philippines and across the globe.
"It feels amazing," an emotional Eala stated on court after the match. "I'm just so happy to have gotten through. The crowd was incredible; they really pushed me through. To be the first from my country to do this here… it means everything. I'm just so proud to represent the Philippines."
The Foundation of a Promising Career
Eala’s tennis journey has been meticulously built. A product of the renowned Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, she has honed her aggressive baseline game, characterized by a potent forehand and improved fitness. Her development has been steady, with this US Open breakthrough being the culmination of years of hard work on the ITF Circuit and lower-level WTA events.
Key factors in her recent success include:
- Improved Serve: Once a weakness, her serve has become a reliable weapon, helping her secure crucial free points.
- Mental Fortitude: Her ability to stay composed under pressure, as seen in saving break points against Yastremska, marks a significant maturation in her game.
- Physical Conditioning: The grueling nature of her qualifying and first-round matches showcased a fitness level capable of competing with the tour's best.
This historic win is also a testament to the growing tennis landscape in the Philippines, inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue the sport professionally. Eala has become a beacon of hope and a symbol of what is possible with dedication and belief.
Looking Ahead: "In the Mood for More"
With the monumental first win secured, Eala’s focus immediately shifted to the future. She is not in New York just to participate; she is there to compete and win. Her confidence is sky-high, and her ambitions are clear.
"This win gives me a lot of confidence," Eala remarked. "It shows that my game is there, that I can compete with these top players. I'm definitely in the mood for more. I'm going to recover, prepare, and get ready for the next round."
Eala will face a formidable challenge in the second round against the winner of the match between American wildcard Robin Montgomery and Astra Sharma of Australia. Regardless of the opponent, Eala will step onto the court with the belief that she belongs and the hunger to extend her magical run in Flushing Meadows.
A Star on the Rise
Alexandra Eala’s victory at the 2024 US Open is more than just a single match win; it is a landmark moment for Philippine sports. It breaks down barriers and sets a new standard for tennis excellence in the country. Her journey from a promising junior to a history-making professional is a powerful narrative of perseverance.
As the tennis world turns its eyes to her second-round match, one thing is certain: Alexandra Eala has arrived. She has proven she possesses the skill, heart, and mental toughness to thrive on the sport's biggest stages. Her statement, "I'm in the mood for more," should serve as a warning to the rest of the tour—this young star is just getting started.
The roar of the New York crowd that carried her to victory will now be replaced by the cheers of an entire nation, all watching with bated breath as their newest sporting hero continues her inspiring journey at the US Open.