New York, August 28, 2025 — Alexandra “Alex” Eala’s inspiring run at the 2025 US Open came to a close on Thursday after a straight-sets defeat to Spain’s Cristina Bucșa. The 20-year-old Filipina, who had already made history by becoming the first player from the Philippines in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam main-draw match, bowed out with a 6-4, 6-3 loss on Court 6 at Flushing Meadows.
A Match of Margins
Unlike her thrilling first-round comeback win against Clara Tauson, where she overturned a 1–5 deficit in the third set, Eala struggled to find the same rhythm against the steadier Bucșa. Ranked No. 95 in the world, Bucșa controlled the rallies with consistent baseline play and an efficient first serve that neutralized Eala’s aggressive shot-making.
The Spaniard broke Eala’s serve six times in the match, converting six of her eight opportunities. Eala, by contrast, converted only three of nine break points and racked up 21 unforced errors compared to Bucșa’s 12. Those lapses ultimately cost her the chance to build momentum.
Still, the scoreline belied the competitiveness of the contest. The opening set was a tug of war, with long rallies that showcased Eala’s fighting spirit. She drew loud cheers from the sizable Filipino contingent in the crowd, but Bucșa’s composure under pressure made the difference at key moments.
A Historic Run Despite Defeat
For Eala, the loss does not overshadow the milestone she achieved earlier in the week. By defeating Tauson in dramatic fashion, she became the first Filipina to win a Grand Slam main-draw match in the Open Era—an accomplishment celebrated not only in New York but also across the Philippines and among the diaspora.
Reflecting on her campaign, Eala said:
“This wasn’t the result I wanted, but I’ll take all the lessons from this experience. To play in front of so many Filipinos and feel their energy—it was something I’ll never forget.”
Her words reflected the pride she carries in representing her country. The victory in the first round was historic; the second-round loss, though disappointing, was part of her growth as a rising star in women’s tennis.
Bucșa’s Career Milestone
For Bucșa, the win was equally significant. The 27-year-old Spaniard advanced to the third round of the US Open for the first time in her career, continuing her steady rise on the WTA Tour. Her tactical discipline and ability to absorb Eala’s power earned her the breakthrough, and she now faces a potential clash with a seeded opponent in the next round.
Speaking after the match, Bucșa credited Eala’s fight:
“Alex is such a tough competitor. She has the crowd, she has the spirit. I had to stay focused from the first ball to the last.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Eala’s exit may have ended her US Open campaign, but it has only fueled excitement for what lies ahead. Having broken into the WTA Top 100 earlier this year, and with steady improvements in her game, she is widely seen as a future mainstay in major tournaments.
Her historic achievement has already inspired a surge of interest in tennis back home. Sports analysts point out that her win against Tauson will likely be remembered as a turning point in Philippine tennis, proving that players from the country can compete—and win—on the sport’s biggest stages.
Social media in the Philippines exploded with support after her first-round triumph, and even after her second-round defeat, the tone remained overwhelmingly proud and optimistic. Hashtags like #ProudPinoy and #EalaAtTheUSOpen trended for hours, with fans calling her a trailblazer.
Alex Eala may have fallen in the second round of the 2025 US Open, but her campaign was nothing short of historic. Her spirited performances, backed by the passionate Filipino crowd, showed the world her potential and determination. As she continues to refine her game and gain experience on the tour, her journey promises to inspire generations of athletes in the Philippines and beyond.
For now, her US Open run ends with a loss—but in the broader story of her career, this feels like only the beginning.
