Alex Eala makes history as first Filipino to win Grand Slam singles match; stuns World No. 14

Report by Ken Tipay | Layout by Nikka Gutierrez

Filipina tennis player Alexandra “Alex” Eala carved her name into history after becoming the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam main-draw singles match in the Open Era, following her stunning first-round victory at the 2025 US Open held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York on August 24.

Eala pulled off a monumental upset over Denmark’s World No. 14 Clara Tauson, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11), in a dramatic three-set thriller at the women’s singles opener.

The 19-year-old, currently ranked World No. 75, showed nerves of steel in front of a grandstand packed with Filipino fans. After Tauson raced to a 5-1 lead in the deciding set, Eala clawed her way back to force a tiebreak, where she saved multiple match points before clinching the win at 13-11.

Eala capitalized on Tauson’s shaky start, breaking her serve twice to take the opening set, 6-3. The Danish star, however, regained momentum in the second set, relying on her strong serve—including 12 aces throughout the match—to level the duel at one set apiece.

In the final set, Tauson appeared in full control, but Eala’s resilience turned the tide. She surged in the extended tiebreak, breaking an 8-all deadlock and finally sealing the historic win after Tauson’s return went wide. Overcome with emotion, Eala collapsed on the court as the crowd erupted in pride and cheers.

“It was so, so difficult. I was so happy I was able to dig deep and push the limit, physically and mentally. This was it,” Eala said in her on-court interview.

She also credited the electrifying support of Filipino fans in the stands.

“It’s so special. They [the crowd] make me feel more and more proud to be Filipino. It’s something I take so much pride in.”

Despite Tauson’s powerful game, which saw her fire 12 aces, Eala’s grit and consistency shone through as she won 49 receiving points to secure the upset.

Eala now advances to the second round of the US Open, where she will face either Claire Liu of the United States or Cristina Bucsa of Spain.