Alex Eala is heading into the US Open with more than just her singles campaign to look forward to. The 21-year-old Filipino star will partner Felix Auger-Aliassime in the mixed doubles at Flushing Meadows, and she is already bubbling with anticipation about the new collaboration.
The pairing came together unexpectedly, with Eala describing it as a chance opportunity rather than a long-planned arrangement. Speaking after her victory over Qinwen Zheng at the Washington Open, she made clear just how much she is relishing the prospect. She called the US Open an electric environment for doubles and highlighted how the mixed doubles field, with its high-profile lineups, makes it an especially compelling event to be part of. She also pointed to the learning experience of sharing a court with someone of Auger-Aliassime's caliber as a major draw.
The two have never played doubles together before, though Eala has built solid experience across various partnerships over recent seasons. Her singles form has been the bigger talking point in 2026, with wins over Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, Elina Svitolina, and Coco Gauff underlining her rapid rise. She has drawn enormous support from Filipino fans at events across Australia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Eala is currently only defending 70 ranking points through the US Open, which gives her a genuine shot at cracking the top 20 for the first time. Before Flushing Meadows, she is scheduled to compete at the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open, continuing a busy North American hardcourt swing.
Last year at the US Open, she claimed her first Grand Slam singles win before falling in the second round. TennisDraw users will be watching closely to see how far she can go this time around.
