ALEXANDRA Eala’s impressive opening-round performance at the US Open has caught the attention of many, with a veteran commentator describing the Filipina as one of the tournament’s most compelling stories.
New York Post Sports broadcaster Brandon London singled out the No. 17 seed following her emphatic 6-1, 6-2 victory over American qualifier Mary Stoiana at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
“Forget the top ranked women’s names at the US Open for a second because there’s a 17th seed running through the draw like she’s got something to prove,” London said in a video commentary.
He then highlighted Eala’s growing stature in the sport, adding, “her name is Alex Eala. Remember it because right now she might be the best story out at Flushing Meadows.”
London pointed to Eala’s dominant performance against Stoiana, particularly her five-game winning streak during the match, which lasted just 1 hour and 18 minutes.
The New York Post Sports commentator also cited Eala’s breakthrough results this season as evidence that her rise is no fluke.
The Filipina has defeated former world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka this year and captured her first WTA title by beating Jessica Pegula, who was ranked No. 3 in the world at the time. Eala also broke into the WTA top 20 during the season.
London noted that Eala’s development at the Rafael Nadal Academy has been part of her progression, while also recalling her historic achievement at last year’s US Open, when she became the first Filipina to win a Grand Slam main-draw singles match.
“She’s not just showing up to Queens, she’s here to make some noise,” London said.
Her popularity has also been reflected in the interest surrounding her matches in New York. London claimed that ticket demand for Eala’s matches had surged, with prices reportedly increasing by more than 100 percent ahead of her first-round appearance.
“Now that’s star power,” he said.
Eala has advanced to the second round, where she will face Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova after the latter defeated American wildcard Reese Brantmeier, 6-4, 6-4.
With her growing résumé and strong start in New York, Eala now has another opportunity to make an extended run at the US Open.
“If she keeps swinging like this we could be talking about a deep run in New York,” London said. (Adrian Co)
