Filipino tennis sensation Alexandra “Alex” Eala is back in full training after a brief but worrying shoulder injury setback, with her eyes firmly set on making history at the 2025 US Open. The 19-year-old, who has been one of the breakout stars on the WTA Tour this season, is preparing to compete in her first-ever women’s singles main draw in New York later this month.
A Setback in Montreal
Eala’s injury woes began during the National Bank Open in Montreal, where she faced 2023 Wimbledon champion Markéta Vondroušová in the opening round. The match started on a high note for the Filipina, who took the first set 6–3 with her trademark aggressive baseline play and precise shot-making. However, in the second set, she began to show signs of discomfort in her left shoulder.
A medical timeout followed, and although she bravely continued, the momentum shifted. Vondroušová capitalized on Eala’s reduced mobility, claiming the next two sets 6–1, 6–2. The loss was not just a blow to her tournament run but also raised concerns about her physical readiness for the important hardcourt swing leading into the US Open.
Pulling Out of Cincinnati
With the US Open looming, Eala and her team made the difficult but strategic decision to withdraw from the Cincinnati Open—a prestigious WTA 1000 event that often serves as a key form-check for top players before Flushing Meadows.
Her place in the draw was taken by doubles partner Renata Zarazúa, as Eala opted to rest and rehabilitate her shoulder rather than risk aggravating the injury. It was a choice rooted in long-term thinking: preserving her fitness for what will be the most significant Grand Slam appearance of her career to date.
Back to Training at Rafa Nadal Academy
True to her disciplined approach, Eala returned to the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, her training base since her early teenage years. Under the watchful eyes of her coaches, she resumed full training sessions less than two weeks after pulling out of Cincinnati.
Mallorca has long been her sanctuary for preparation, offering not just world-class facilities but also a familiar environment that allows her to rebuild confidence. Her social media updates from the island in recent days show her in good spirits—hinting that she is both physically and mentally ready to return to competitive action.
Warm-Up in Monterrey Before New York
Before heading to the US Open, Eala is expected to participate in the Monterrey Open in Mexico. The tournament will give her the chance to test her shoulder under competitive match conditions and regain match sharpness.
This choice of event is also strategic—Monterrey’s outdoor hardcourts offer playing conditions similar to those in New York, giving her valuable preparation time against opponents who could be just as motivated to fine-tune their games before the final Grand Slam of the year.
A Season of Breakthroughs
Even with this minor setback, 2025 has already been a career-defining year for Alex Eala. She reached a career-high WTA ranking of No. 56 in late June, propelled by her remarkable semifinal run at the Miami Open, where she stunned top-tier players including Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and world No. 1 Iga Świątek.
She also made history at the Eastbourne Open, becoming the first Filipino to reach a WTA singles final. In a dramatic three-set battle, she fell to Australian teenager Maya Joint, but the performance cemented her status as a rising force in women’s tennis.
Her rise has been nothing short of historic for Philippine sports, as she is the highest-ranked Filipino player—male or female—in tennis history. She first broke into the WTA top 100 in March, a feat celebrated back home as a sign of a bright new era for the sport in the country.
Mindset: Growth Over Pressure
Despite her dip to No. 67 in the live rankings after her injury break, Eala remains unfazed. In a recent interview, she emphasized that enjoyment and learning remain her main priorities.
“There’s no pressure on me. I’m focusing on enjoying the experience and growing every week,” she said.
This mindset, rooted in patience and long-term vision, reflects her maturity beyond her years. It is perhaps one of her greatest strengths—allowing her to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth rather than burdens to bear.
Why the US Open Matters
The 2025 US Open will mark Eala’s first main-draw appearance in the women’s singles at the year’s final Grand Slam. She has previously competed in the juniors and had earlier debuts in the Roland Garros and Wimbledon main draws this season, gaining invaluable experience.
New York’s high-energy atmosphere, coupled with the fast-paced hardcourt surface, plays into Eala’s strengths—her ability to dictate rallies, strike clean winners, and stay mentally composed in pressure moments. If her recovery holds and she gets a favorable draw, there’s a realistic chance she could make a deep run, which would further boost her global profile.
The Bigger Picture
Eala’s comeback ahead of the US Open isn’t just about a physical return—it’s about momentum, opportunity, and legacy. At only 19, she already carries the expectations of a nation eager to see tennis break into mainstream sports culture in the Philippines.
Her presence at the US Open will once again put her on one of tennis’s grandest stages, offering her not just the chance to compete against the best but also to inspire a new generation of Filipino athletes.
Looking Ahead
From Mallorca’s training courts to the bright lights of New York City, Alex Eala’s next few weeks promise to be defining. If she can combine her natural talent, newfound top-level experience, and the resilience she has shown in overcoming this injury, the 2025 US Open could be the tournament where she takes another giant leap forward.
For now, the message is clear: the shoulder is healed, the mindset is sharp, and the dream is alive.
