Ale Eala and Leylah Fernandez | Photos from WTAtennis.com
Alexandra Eala makes Open Era history with her first Grand Slam main-draw win, while Leylah Fernandez powers past Rebecca Marino at the US Open 2025.
Eala makes history in US Open debut
Alexandra Eala became the first player from the Philippines in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam main-draw singles match after a stunning first-round triumph.
Facing 14th seed Clara Tauson on Grandstand, the 20-year-old trailed 1–5 in the deciding set before mounting a remarkable comeback. She forced a third-set tiebreak and held her composure to complete a 6–3, 2–6, 7–6 (11) win that advanced her to Round 2 and secured her place in the record books.
Fernandez cruises past Marino
On Stadium 17, 31st seed Leylah Fernandez showed the sharp form that once carried her to the US Open final. She dismissed fellow Canadian Rebecca Marino 6–2, 6–1 in just over an hour, breaking serve five times and controlling the match from start to finish.
A shared spotlight
Fernandez’s commanding win confirmed her status as a reliable contender in New York. Eala’s upset, meanwhile, marked a first for Philippine tennis on the sport’s grand stage.
Together, the two Filipinas turned the tournament’s opening day into a showcase of talent, resilience, and representation.
