Alex Eala is sharpening her game for the 2026 US Open with elite company, joining tennis legend Venus Williams in a practice session ahead of what could become one of the biggest Grand Slam appearances of her career.
The Filipina standout enters New York with momentum and history behind her. At last year’s US Open, Eala became the first Filipina to win a main-draw Grand Slam match, a breakthrough that pushed Philippine tennis deeper into the global conversation. Now, after reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon, she returns to the hard courts with a stronger résumé and higher expectations.
The session with Williams adds another layer to Eala’s preparation. Practicing with a multiple-time Grand Slam champion is not just a headline moment — it is the kind of court exposure that matters before facing the pressure, pace, and intensity of New York.
Eala is also set to face Iva Jovic in the “Stars of the Open” exhibition, giving fans another look at her form before the main draw begins. With a possible career-best Grand Slam seeding ahead, the mission is clear: build on the breakthrough, carry the confidence from Wimbledon, and make another statement at the US Open.
For Philippine tennis, Eala’s rise is no longer just about firsts. It is about staying in the fight, going deeper, and proving that the next milestone may already be within reach.
Image from Manila Bulletin