New york: Filipino tennis star Alex Eala made an impressive US Open debut by defeating the world's No. 14 Clara Tauson from Denmark. Eala secured her victory with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11) in the first round early Monday (Philippine time). According to Philippines News Agency, Eala expressed her excitement about the support she received from the Grandstand spectators, stating, "It's so special." As the world's No. 70, Eala emphasized the pride she feels in being Filipino and how the cheering crowd made her feel at home despite being miles away. Her victory marked a significant milestone as she became the first Filipino to advance to the second round of the US Open. Looking forward, Eala is set to face the winner of the match between world's No. 95 Christina Bucsa of Moldova and American qualifier Claire Liu, who is ranked No. 317 globally. Eala has had an impressive year, having reached the semifinal round of the Miami Open last March. During the tournament, she defeated notable Grand Slam champion s, including Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek, before eventually losing to Jessica Pegula in a hard-fought match. A graduate of the prestigious Rafael Nadal Academy, Eala previously won the US Open junior girls' singles title in 2022, showcasing her potential and promise as a rising star in the world of tennis.