Alexandra Eala Given Breakout Star Label Despite Third-Round US Open Exit Sparks Wild Reactions – “Did She Win Anything at All?”

Alexandra Eala lost to Iva Jovic in the third round of the US Open.

Alexandra Eala Given Breakout Star Label Despite Third-Round US Open Exit Sparks Wild Reactions – “Did She Win Anything at All?”

Alexandra Eala (Image via National Bank Open)

Alexandra Eala‘s US Open campaign ended at the hands of Iva Jovic. Eala, competing at Flushing Meadows for the second time in her career, suffered a 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 upset in the third round.

Eala produced her best Grand Slam performance when she reached the fourth round of this Wimbledon after upsetting defending champion Iga Swiatek. The 21-year-old, a graduate of the Rafa Nadal Academy, hogged the spotlight for the first time when she reached the semifinals of the 2025 Miami Open after eliminating Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Swiatek.

She then reached her career’s first tour-level final at the 2025 Eastbourne International. Though the match ended in favor of Maya Joint, Eala finally tasted success in this year’s Citi Open by defeating home favorite Jessica Pegula.

Eala has already become a huge star, all thanks to the Filipino fans, who flock to the stadiums wherever she plays. Tennis legend Venus Williams has already called her a global star, while Coco Gauff once said facing Eala felt like she was playing in a World Cup. But that support also brings pressure. The 21-year-old broke down in tears following her defeat to Jovic.

Gauff, who would have faced Eala in the fourth round had the latter defeated Jovic, said she cannot relate to the pressure the Filipina has been dealing with due to the support from her community.

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Fans don’t think Alexandra Eala should be given star treatment without any big achievement

Alexandra Eala recently sat for an interview with CBS Mornings, during which she talked about the pressure of playing on the biggest stages, and also what she feels knowing that her performance brings joy and inspiration to the Filipino community.

Alexandra Eala
Alexandra Eala (Image via SPORTbible)

I try not to look so much at the bigger picture all the time cuz I can get lost, and it can get overwhelming with a lot of emotions, especially with the support that I get and, being around these amazing peers that I have and sharing the stage with people I’ve looked up to. Even Coco, even though she’s just a year older than me, I grew up alongside her, kind of like watching her on TV, and of course Venus, being a legend. To be able to share the stage with these people is amazing.

Eala has already played doubles with both Gauff and Williams. She and Gauff played together at last year’s Italian Open and reached the quarterfinals. Eala has paired up with Venus in three events, including at the Canadian Open this year.

When I interact with the people who support me, and they tell me their stories, it really touches me. I just hope that whatever I do, and the job that I have and my day-to-day work, inspires other people and inspires the youth, especially, to chase their dreams. I’m here. I’m in New York. I’m competing in the US Open. I’m from Manila. A dream is only a dream until it becomes a reality.

Alexandra Eala added

Her invitation to CBS Mornings, a major American news show, didn’t sit well with many fans. They think Eala shouldn’t get star treatment without major achievements.

Check out how they reacted:

Eala, after some much-needed rest, will be preparing for the Asian swing. She did not have great campaigns in Asia last year, as she suffered early exits in every tour-level tournament.

In the ongoing US Open, Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula have reached the semifinals. Coco Gauff will face Mirra Andreeva, while Qinwen Zheng will face Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals.

Also read: Tennis Australia CEO Andrew Abdo Hints at Ditching Best-of-Five Sets in Grand Slams: “We Need to Explore”