Alexandra Eala Enters U.S. Open as No. 17 Seed After Washington Title Run
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Aug 28
Alexandra Eala Enters U.S. Open as No. 17 Seed After Washington Title Run
3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Aug 28
Summary
21-year-old Alexandra Eala arrives at the U.S. Open seeded No. 17, her highest major position yet and only the seventh Slam appearance of her career.
Washington champion momentum lifted the Filipina into New York after she beat top American Jessica Pegula in the D.C. final and earlier upset defending Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek on grass.
Eala is the first Filipino player to crack the Open Era top 100, and her rise has forced tournaments to adjust court assignments, broadcast plans and security for large Filipino crowds.
113 million people in the Philippines and a diaspora of more than 15 million have turned her into the country's biggest sports phenomenon since Manny Pacquiao, with watch parties and strong TV demand following her matches.
At a career-high No. 18 ranking entering the event, Eala is already expanding that breakout into an offseason Southeast Asia exhibition tour as tennis taps a new market.