Alexandra Eala becomes first Filipino to win Grand Slam main-draw match

Alexandra 'Alex' Eala made history as the first Filipino player to win a main-draw match at a Grand Slam on Sunday (Philippine time) with a 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(13-11) victory over World No. 15 Clara Tauson at the US Open.

Eala's triumph was fueled by support from more than 8,000 Filipino fans who cheered her throughout the match and booed during a lengthy challenge, leading to Eala taking control of the deciding set after trailing 1-5.

From down 1-5 in the third set, Eala demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, winning five consecutive games before forcing a tiebreak which she won to advance to the next round.

Eala expressed gratitude for the Filipino fans who made her feel like she was playing at home and said, 'To be Filipino is something I take so much pride in.'

Currently ranked 75th in the world, Eala will face WTA No. 35 Cristina Bucsa of Spain or qualifier Claire Liu of the US in the second round, with World No. 21 Elise Martens of Belgium potentially looming in the third round.