Alex Eala earns second US Open main draw spot

Alexandra “Alex” Eala is set to return to Flushing Meadows after securing a place in the women’s singles entry list for the US Open.

The season’s final Grand Slam tournament will run from Aug. 30 to Sept. 13 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.

Eala’s inclusion gives the Philippines another presence on one of tennis’ biggest stages as the 21-year-old continues to establish herself among the leading players on the women’s tour.

The Filipina standout joins defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Mirra Andreeva, and Iga Swiatek on the entry list.

The tournament will mark Eala’s second appearance in the US Open women’s singles main draw.

Eala made history at the 2025 tournament by defeating Clara Tauson in her first Grand Slam main draw victory.

She rallied from a 5-1 deficit in the deciding set to beat the No. 14 seed, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (11), in the opening round.

The victory made Eala the first Filipino player to win a Grand Slam main draw singles match in the Open Era.

Her return also carries added significance because Flushing Meadows has played a central role in her career.

Eala won the US Open junior girls’ singles championship in 2022, becoming the first Filipino to capture a junior Grand Slam singles title.

Before returning to New York, Eala will compete in the DC Open, Toronto Open, and Cincinnati Open during her North American swing.

The series of hard-court tournaments will give Eala opportunities to adjust to the surface and build match fitness ahead of the US Open.