Photo credit: US Open

Alexandra Eala has etched her name in the history books, becoming the first Filipina woman to secure a singles victory at a Grand Slam tournament in the Open Era. The 19-year-old sensation achieved this milestone in dramatic fashion at the US Open, surviving a nail-biting final-set tiebreak to defeat 14th seed Clara Tauson, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11).

The match was a rollercoaster from start to finish. Eala came out strong, taking the first set 6-3 with confident baseline play and smart shot selection. Tauson responded fiercely in the second set, leveling the match with a dominant 6-2 performance, forcing a decisive third set.

What followed was pure tennis drama. Both players held their ground in the final set, pushing the match into a tiebreak. With neither willing to yield, the breaker extended into marathon territory. Eala displayed extraordinary composure under pressure, saving multiple match points before finally clinching victory at 13-11. Her resilience and determination in that tiebreak showcased the mental toughness of a champion in the making.

This historic win not only marks Eala’s first main-draw Grand Slam victory but also represents a significant milestone for Philippine tennis on the global stage. She now advances to the second round, where she will look to build on this momentum and continue inspiring a new generation of Filipino athletes.

For Eala, this is more than just a win—it’s a breakthrough moment signaling her arrival among tennis’ elite.