Just four miles away, Eala beat the United States’ Mary Stoiana, 6-1, 6-2 Tuesday night in her 2026 U.S. Open debut. On Thursday, she will take on Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova in Louis Armstrong Stadium, where a new run of posters from Tiu’s studio, Bad Student, will feature in the crowd.

Earlier this month at the Canadian Open in Toronto—home to the largest Filipino diaspora in Canada, with more than 270,000 residents—21-year-old tennis star Alex Eala, ranked 18th in the world, drew sold-out crowds of more than 10,

Alex Eala is one of tennis’ brightest rising stars. On Wednesday night the 21-year-old Filipino won her first round US Open match against Mary Stoiana (6-1, 6-2) inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. She’ll take on Oleksandra Oliynykova in the second round on Thursday afternoon at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

The third round of the US Open will feature a clash between good friends as Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala takes on world No. 14 Iva Jovic of the United States.

Alex Eala will face Iva Jovic in the next round.

Alex Eala is already one of the most famous figures in the Philippines, but the U.S. Open offers a stage where a national hero can become an international superstar.

Alex Eala's parents, Mike and Rizza, provided crucial support for her tennis career. Rizza, a former swimmer and businesswoman, instilled a strong competitive spirit. Mike, a corporate executive, offered consistent presence and guidance throughout her journey.

Alex Eala has been featured on the front page of The New York Times, with the publication highlighting how her historic U.S. Open run has brought together Filipinos in New York and beyond.