Alex Eala’s Historic US Open Run Ends, But the Future Burns Brighter Than Ever

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by Misha Cruz

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala bows out in the 2nd round of the US Open against Cristina Bucsa of Spain.
Filipina tennis star Alex Eala bows out in the 2nd round of the US Open against Cristina Bucsa of Spain. Photo: Getty Images.

Alex Eala may have bowed out in the second round of the US Open, but her journey is far from a defeat. 

The 20-year-old Filipina tennis star fell to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa, 6-4, 6-3, yet walked away having already carved her name into tennis history as the first Filipina ever to win a main draw singles match at a Grand Slam.

It was a battle of grit and heart from start to finish. Bucsa came out firing, breaking early to test the young Filipina’s resolve. But Alex answered right back, showing the same fearless fire that stunned World No. 15 Clara Tauson in the opening round. The first set turned into a tense back-and-forth, but Bucsa’s steadiness under pressure gave her the edge, 6-4.

The second set carried the same intensity, with both players trading breaks in the early games. Alex fought tooth and nail, refusing to back down against the more seasoned Spaniard. Her explosive baseline shots and relentless energy kept her in striking distance, but Bucsa’s experience and consistency proved just enough to shut the door, taking the set 6-3.

For Bucsa, the victory also came with a touch of redemption — Eala had beaten her in the W25 Grenoble tournament in 2021, and this time, the Spaniard made sure to flip the script.

Spain's Cristina Bucsa (left) hugs Alex Eala at the net after their US Open 2nd round match.
Spain's Cristina Bucsa (left) hugs Alex Eala at the net after their US Open 2nd round match. Photo: Getty Images.

But make no mistake: this was not the end of Alex’s story. It’s the beginning of something far bigger. 

Eala’s breakthrough win in Round 1 already secured her place in the history books. More importantly, she proved she can stand toe-to-toe with world-class players on one of tennis’ grandest stages. At just 20 years old, her game is still growing, her confidence is soaring, and her future looks unstoppable. 

Alex Eala.
Alex Eala. Photo: Reuters.

This US Open was a milestone — a taste of what’s to come. Philippine tennis fans, take heart: Alex Eala is only getting started. 

Keep believing. Keep supporting. The journey has just begun.