Alex Eala, a rising star in Philippine tennis, recently made headlines after a remarkable victory in the first round of the 2025 US Open. The young athlete defeated World No. 14 Clara Tauson from Denmark with a final score of 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11) at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. This win not only marks a significant achievement in Eala’s career but also guarantees her a prize of P8.7 million (approximately $154,000).
The match showcased Eala’s resilience; after taking the first set, she faced challenges in the second but bounced back from a daunting position in the third, trailing 1-5 before emerging victorious. The US Open’s total prize pool has reached an unprecedented $90 million, benefiting all participants significantly. Players eliminated in the first round still earn substantial amounts, with first-round losers like Tauson receiving $110,000 (around P6.2 million).
Should Eala proceed to the next round, her earnings could increase to approximately P13.4 million, and with each advancement, the potential winnings grow. The round of 16 guarantees at least P22.6 million, the quarterfinals P37.3 million, semifinalists P71.3 million, and the runner-up P141.6 million. The grand champion receives a staggering P283.2 million ($5 million).
Eala’s impressive performance lasted two hours and 36 minutes, solidifying her place not just in this tournament but also in the annals of Philippine sports history. As she prepares for her upcoming match against the winner of the duel between Cristina Bucsa and Claire Liu, fans and sports enthusiasts alike are eager to see how far she can go in this prestigious event.
