Alex Eala has announced herself as a genuine Grand Slam contender, according to former world No. 4 Greg Rusedski, who believes the 21-year-old Filipina star is ready to challenge for a maiden major title at the upcoming US Open.
Eala lifted the Washington Open trophy after defeating world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in a thrilling final, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0. The comeback victory capped a remarkable week in which she also eliminated world No. 10 Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals. The title pushed Eala to a new career-high ranking of No. 20, up from No. 28 heading into the tournament.
Speaking on his Off Court podcast, Rusedski, himself a 1997 US Open finalist, was effusive in his praise. He described Eala as "a ray of light" for the WTA tour and suggested the sport has found the superstar it desperately needed. He highlighted her mentality, fighting spirit, and ground-stroking ability as key attributes that set her apart, adding that her doggedness and determination are unmatched.
Rusedski did caution that the road to a major title will be steep, noting that Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will be targeting her second serve, just as Pegula attempted during the Washington final. Still, he remains convinced that Eala has the mental fortitude to compete at the very highest level.
With her impressive 9-4 career record against top-10 opponents, the stats certainly back that belief. Rusedski also noted that her upcoming appearance in Toronto is already generating enormous excitement, with the event reportedly sold out in anticipation of her arrival.
TennisDraw users had Eala flagged as a rising bracket disruptor well before her Washington heroics confirmed just how dangerous she has become.
