Tennis-Eala advances at Flushing Meadows in major first for Philippines

Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - August 24, 2025 Philippines' Alexandra Eala in action during her first round match against Denmark's Clara Tauson REUTERS/Jeenah Moon

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Alexandra Eala became the first Filipino player to win a main draw match at a Grand Slam in the professional era, as she beat 14th seed Clara Tauson in an opening round upset at the U.S. Open on Sunday.

Eala burst into tears amid raucous support from the Grandstand crowd as she produced a stunning comeback from 5-1 down in the third set to beat the Dane 6-3 2-6 7-6 (11) after Tauson had twice served for the match.