US Open embraces ‘Eala mania’ ahead of Alex Eala’s main-draw campaign

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 01, 2026

Photo courtesy: Tennis 365

“Eala Mania” has officially reached the US Open.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala’s growing fan base has become impossible to ignore in New York, with tournament organizers taking notice of the strong Filipino support surrounding her breakout run.

US Open officials have embraced the momentum by featuring Eala prominently during Fan Week and scheduling her opening singles match at Louis Armstrong Stadium, one of the tournament’s major courts.

Tournament director Eric Butorac said organizers had already seen the atmosphere Eala could generate during her earlier appearances, particularly during the Stars of the Open exhibition and mixed doubles competition.

The strong turnout has also translated into rising ticket demand, with secondary-market prices for the session featuring Eala’s first-round match reportedly climbing after the schedule was announced.

Eala is set to face American qualifier Mary Stoiana in the opening round of the women’s singles tournament.

The 21-year-old Filipina enters the US Open ranked world No. 18 and seeded No. 17, making her one of the most closely watched players in the draw.

Her connection with the US Open also runs deep. Eala won the girls’ singles title in New York in 2022 and later became the first Filipino player in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam main-draw singles match.

Now, as she returns to one of tennis’ biggest stages, the support surrounding her is growing well beyond the Philippines.

And at the US Open, “Eala Mania” is no longer just a local phenomenon — it is becoming part of the tournament itself.