Although her run ended sooner than hoped, Alex Eala cherished her debut in the US Open main draw marked by her historic first Grand Slam first-round win.
It was a fleeting visit to the Big Apple, but one Alex Eala will never forget.
Three days after bowing out of the US Open, the 20-year-old Filipino tennis star reflected on her groundbreaking run, which saw her become the first Filipina to win a Grand Slam main draw singles match in the Open Era.
In an Instagram post, Eala expressed gratitude for the support she received from fans back home, many of whom stayed up well past their bedtime just to watch her compete under the bright lights of Flushing Meadows.
“US Open ‘25, what an experience! I’ve never in my life felt so loved on a tennis court, and for that, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” she wrote.
[ALSO READ: Alex Eala savors Filipino support in maiden US Open win — ‘They made me feel like I’m home’]
Eala’s historical moment came against world no. 14 Clara Tauson of Denmark. Down 1-5 in the deciding set, the Filipina rallied to win five straight games and clinched the match in a tense tiebreak, marking the biggest victory of her young career.
[ALSO READ: Alex Eala completes miracle comeback to beat world no. 14 Clara Tauson at the US Open]
Her journey ended in the second round with a 4-6, 3-6 loss to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa, but Eala was quick to acknowledge the lessons and inspiration she takes from the experience.
[ALSO READ: Alex Eala suffers error-prone game in US Open loss vs Cristina Bucsa]
Even in defeat, the Filipina lefty promised a stronger return.
“I wish I could’ve gone deeper, but it just wasn’t meant to be. I’ll be back stronger, but for now, it’s back to work! Salamat, New York,” she ended.
[ALSO READ: Alex Eala urges dreamers to ‘be ambitious’ after breakthrough US Open win]
Eala is set to return to action at the São Paulo Open slated September 8–14 in São Paulo’s first WTA tournament in 25 years.
The tournament will feature a 32-player singles main draw, including world no. 22 Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil and no. 47 Hailey Baptiste of the United States to name a few.
[ALSO READ: Alex Eala slated for action in WTA’s return to Brazil after US Open]