A Star on the Rise
Alex Eala arrives at the US Open riding one of the most exciting stretches of form on the WTA Tour. The 21-year-old left-hander from Quezon City, Philippines, has claimed titles at both the Birmingham Open and the Washington Open this summer, while also reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon. She enters Flushing Meadows at a career-high ranking of 18th in the world, a dramatic leap from 50th at the end of last season.
For the second time in her career, Eala is expected to be seeded at a Grand Slam, after earning that distinction at Wimbledon earlier this year. She sits 15th in the WTA Tour Race, placing her within striking distance of the top 10 for the first time.
Rusedski Backs Her to Go Further Than Ever
Former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski has gone on record with a bold forecast. Speaking on the podcast Off Court, Rusedski said he would not be surprised to see Eala reach the quarter-finals in New York, noting that her seeding should provide a favorable path through the early rounds. He added that a deep run is entirely possible depending on how the bracket falls.
Eala herself has kept expectations grounded despite her momentum. Speaking at Cincinnati, she acknowledged that confidence from recent wins helps, but that it offers no guarantees once matches begin.
She has already made more history for Philippine tennis than any player before her, yet those close to her believe the best is still ahead. Debate continues about whether her serve can hold up against elite opponents, but Rusedski and others see a player fully capable of competing at the highest level.
TennisDraw users have been lining up Eala as one of their most intriguing dark-horse picks for the US Open women's draw.
