Alex Eala has one career main-draw win at the US Open. She’s already a global star

Alex Eala, a 21-year-old Filipino tennis sensation, has become a global star and the Philippines' highest-ranked player, drawing massive crowds and significant media attention at the US Open. Despite having only one main-draw win at the US Open, her success, including a recent tour-level title, has led to high earnings and comparisons to Manny Pacquiao.
Why it matters
Eala's rise signifies a new global sports icon from the Philippines, demonstrating the growing international appeal of tennis and the potential for athletes from non-traditional tennis nations to achieve superstardom and significant financial success.
Alexandra Eala practices with Naomi Osaka on the Grandstand court on Saturday at Flushing Meadows ahead of the US Open. Photograph: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock Alexandra Eala practices with Naomi Osaka on the Grandstand court on Saturday at Flushing Meadows ahead of the US Open. Photograph: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock US Open Tennis 2026 Alex Eala has one career main-draw win at the US Open. She’s already a global star Alex Eala has become the Philippines’ biggest sporting star since Manny Pacquiao. Now the 21-year-old’s traveling army of fans have descended on Flushing Meadows
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