NEW YORK — Filipino tennis is set to shine on one of the sport’s biggest stages as Alexandra “Alex” Eala makes history at the 2025 US Open. The 20-year-old Filipina has secured a spot in the women’s singles main draw, skipping the qualifying rounds thanks to her WTA ranking, according to the official entry list released by the Women’s Tennis Association and the US Open.
Joining her in New York is Filipino Canadian star Leylah Fernandez, who heads into the tournament with renewed confidence after defeating Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian, 6-3, 7-5, in the first round of the WTA 500 Monterrey Open in Mexico.
The presence of both players highlights a growing global recognition of athletes with Filipino heritage. For many Filipino fans, it marks a turning point for the sport in a country long dominated by boxing and basketball.
Record Prize Money on the Line
This year’s US Open, scheduled from August 19 to September 7 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, will feature its largest-ever prize pool — a total of $90 million. Both the men’s and women’s singles champions will take home $5 million each.
Even first-round participants are guaranteed at least $110,000, cementing the US Open’s status as one of the most lucrative and competitive tournaments in tennis.
Alex Eala’s Historic Entry
Eala enters the tournament as the first Filipina in the Open Era to gain direct acceptance into the women’s singles main draw. Earlier this year, she reached a career-high ranking of No. 56, placing her comfortably inside the Top 100 — the benchmark for automatic Grand Slam entry.
Her path has been marked by steady progress. In 2022, she became the first Filipino junior Grand Slam singles champion after winning the US Open girls’ title. Since then, she has trained in Spain, sharpened her aggressive baseline game, and made her first WTA final appearance at Eastbourne.
Though she recently dropped to No. 70 after a short injury break, her main draw spot remains secure. Having already played at the French Open and Wimbledon this year, 2025 is shaping up to be a breakthrough season in her senior Grand Slam career.
Leylah Fernandez’s Rising Momentum
At 22 years old, Leylah Fernandez arrives in New York as one of the game’s brightest young stars. Ranked No. 35, she is seeded at this year’s US Open and was never in doubt for direct entry.
Fernandez first captured global attention at the 2021 US Open, where she defeated multiple Grand Slam champions on her way to the final before finishing as runner-up. Her left-handed game, speed, and relentless style have earned her admiration worldwide.
This summer, she claimed the WTA 500 title in Washington, D.C., a victory that boosted her confidence heading into Flushing Meadows. For Filipino communities across the globe, her success, along with her Filipino roots, has fueled growing enthusiasm for the sport.
A New Era for Filipino Tennis
For decades, Filipino sports pride has centered on boxing icons like Manny Pacquiao and basketball legends. Now, tennis is finding its place, thanks to players like Eala and Fernandez competing — and winning — on the world stage.
Their presence at the US Open is more than individual achievement. It represents inspiration for young athletes in the Philippines and a shared sense of community for fans worldwide.
As both step onto the courts in New York, Filipino pride will be front and center at one of the world’s most-watched tennis tournaments.
FAQs
Q1: Who is Alex Eala?
Alexandra “Alex” Eala is a 20-year-old Filipina tennis player who made history as the first Filipina in the Open Era to enter the US Open women’s singles main draw directly through her WTA ranking.
Q2: Who is Leylah Fernandez?
Leylah Fernandez is a 22-year-old Filipino Canadian tennis star, ranked No. 35 in the world, and best known for reaching the US Open final in 2021.
Q3: When will the 2025 US Open take place?
The 2025 US Open runs from August 19 to September 7 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.
Q4: How much prize money is at stake in the 2025 US Open?
The tournament offers a record $90 million prize pool, with $5 million each for the men’s and women’s singles champions.
Q5: Why is Alex Eala’s participation historic?
Eala is the first Filipina to gain direct entry into the US Open women’s singles main draw, a milestone moment in Philippine tennis history.
Q6: How has Leylah Fernandez performed in past US Opens?
Fernandez rose to fame at the 2021 US Open, where she reached the women’s singles final and defeated several Grand Slam champions along the way.
