Entertainment
Filipino tennis star Alex Eala enters US Open amid surging global profile
At just 21 years old, the world No. 18 has achieved unprecedented ranking success for the Philippines and drawn massive crowds.
The short version
- Alex Eala, the highest-ranked Filipino tennis player in history at world No. 18, is scheduled to open her US Open campaign on Tuesday against American qualifier Mary Stoiana.
- Eala has experienced a breakout season, winning her first tour-level title at the DC Open and defeating major champions like Iga Świątek at Wimbledon.
- Off the court, Eala has secured significant financial success, with Forbes estimating her past-year off-court earnings at over $5 million.
Key facts
- At world No. 18, Alex Eala is the highest-ranked tennis player ever from the Philippines.[The Guardian]
- Forbes estimates Eala's off-court earnings over the past year to exceed $5 million, in addition to $1.7 million in prize money.[The Guardian]
- Eala won her first tour-level title this season at the DC Open, where she defeated top players including Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka, and Jessica Pegula.[The Guardian]
- At Wimbledon in July, Eala upset defending champion Iga Świątek in straight sets on Centre Court.[The Guardian]
- Eala is scheduled to face American qualifier Mary Stoiana on Tuesday night at Louis Armstrong Stadium for her opening match of the US Open.[The Guardian]
- Eala plans to play a December exhibition match at the Philippine Arena, aiming for a record-breaking attendance of 52,000 fans.[The Guardian]