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Filipinos are no strangers to history-making athletes—Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, weightlifting legend Hidilyn Diaz, gymnast Carlos Yulo, and pole vaulter EJ Obiena among others. At just 20, professional tennis player Alex Eala is poised to add her name to this roster with every swing of her racket.
RELATED: Alex Eala Is the 19-Year-Old Tennis Giant Slayer
Eala’s US Open debut was anything but smooth. Danish player Clara Tauson was leading 5-1, but Eala wasn’t fazed. If anything, she was just finding her rhythm—feeding off the predominantly Filipino crowd and turning what seemed improbable into a stunning comeback.
In just the first round, world No. 75 Eala secured her first Grand Slam match victory—becoming the first Filipina to do so in the Open era, as well as being the first Filipina to win a round in the US Open.
She now advances to the second round, where she will face Spain’s Cristina Bucșa, ranked world No. 56.
“To be Filipino is something I take so much pride in. To be able to have this community here at the US Open, I’m so grateful that they made me feel like I’m home.”
– Alex Eala in her post-match interview
Alex Eala is fiery, passionate, and hungry for victory at 20. She may just be approaching her peak, but she is already redefining what it means to make history. And with time, her rise looks nothing short of unstoppable.
Catch Alex Eala’s next match against Cristina Bucșa this Wednesday, August 27 (Philippine time).
Featured Image and Photos: US OPEN, ALEX EALA (via Instagram)
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