August 31, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala vowed to be again stronger than ever after a historic but shortlived essential draw debut within the 2025 US Open in New York.
“US Open ‘25, what an expertise. I’ve by no means in my life felt so cherished on a tennis court docket and for that, I thanks all from the underside of my coronary heart,” mentioned Eala, who took some time earlier than letting her feelings out within the aftermath of a second-round exit.
“I needed I may’ve gone deeper this week but it surely wasn’t meant to be. I’ll be again stronger however for now, it’s again to work. Salamat, New York.”
The 20-year-old Filipina on Thursday bowed to Cristina Bucsa of Spain, 6-4, 6-3, however took her day off the grid to savor a historic second within the ultimate Slam of the 12 months.
Eala, now WTA No. 70, earlier than that scored a 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11) stunner of world No. 15 and 14th-seeded Clara Tauson of Denmark in Spherical 1 to turn out to be the primary Filipina winner within the any Grand Slam essential draw.
Eala, who performed in all 4 Slams this 12 months, units her sights subsequent within the Sao Paulo Open in Brazil on Sept. 8 to 14.
Earlier than leaving New York although, Eala held a small meet and greet occasion together with her followers that ought to serve useful in her bid to pocket her first professional title this 12 months.
