Alexandra Eala exits US Open in second round, sets sights on Sao Paulo

Photo courtesy of usopen.org

New York — Alexandra Maniego Eala ended her 2025 US Open campaign in the second round after falling to Spain’s Cristina Bucșa, 6–4, 6–3, on Wednesday, August 27, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Eala, 20, opened with a three-set victory over 14th seed Clara Tauson of Denmark, rallying from 1–5 down in the deciding set before closing out the match, 6–3, 2–6, 7–6 (13–11), in 2 hours and 54 minutes. The victory was her first career main-draw win at a Grand Slam and made her the first player competing under the Philippine flag in the Open Era to advance to the second round of a singles major.

In the round of 64, Bucșa won in straight sets. Official match statistics show Bucșa put 73 percent of first serves into play, winning 60 percent of those points. She converted 6 of 8 break-point chances, while Eala converted 3 of 9. The match lasted 1 hour and 36 minutes.

With the result, Eala closed her first US Open main-draw appearance but will continue her season. She is scheduled to compete at the Sao Paulo Open in Brazil from September 8 to 14.

Tournament records confirm that she earned both ranking points and prize money for her performance, providing a boost as she continues to build her career on the professional tour.

Cecil Mamiit, a Filipino-American who represented the United States early in his career, previously reached the second round of Grand Slams in 1999 and 2001. His results were recorded under the U.S. flag. Eala’s achievement stands as the first time a player representing the Philippines has advanced to the second round of a Grand Slam singles draw in the Open Era.
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