Alexandra Eala's Historic Grand Slam Win for the Philippines

New York, Aug 25 (AP) — Alexandra Eala made history for the Philippines by becoming the first woman from the country to win a Grand Slam match. Competing at the U.S. Open, Eala, ranked 75th, secured a dramatic victory over No. 14 seed Clara Tauson, with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11). The match saw Eala mount an incredible comeback from a 5-1 deficit in the third set, aided by a crucial video review decision that appeared to unsettle Tauson.

"I was playing really bad, anyway. But it definitely didn't help," Tauson remarked regarding the video decision, speaking to The Associated Press on Sunday. "But that's how life is."

Eala, a 20-year-old prodigy who trains at the Rafael Nadal Academy, had already made her mark earlier in 2025 by defeating top-20 opponents, including an impressive win over Iga Swiatek during her journey to the Miami Open semifinals in March.

Claiming this landmark victory held significant meaning for Eala and her homeland. "I'm so blessed to be the first to do this. I take so much pride in representing my country," she expressed. "It makes what I do bigger than myself."

The decisive moment unfolded in the third set at the Grandstand. With Tauson narrowly leading at 5-4 and serving for the match, Eala struck a crucial shot near the net. There was initial uncertainty about whether Eala's racket had crossed the net to hit the ball, a violation of the rules.

Chair umpire Kader Nouni utilized the video review system, introduced at the U.S. Open in 2023 and extended to all 17 competition arenas this year, to assess issues like double bounces. He ruled Eala's hit was legal, awarding her the point and creating two break opportunities at 15-40. Following a delay during which Tauson voiced her displeasure with Nouni, some of the crowd responded with boos.

"I don't need to watch it again. (It was an) incorrect call. My coach said the same. Physio said the same. And especially if my coach says that, I know that I'm not in the wrong, because he's often telling me I'm wrong," Tauson commented, a hint of laughter in her voice during an interview shortly after the match concluded.

"I have nothing else to say, other than it's an incorrect decision. I don't know how that's even possible with VR."

Despite the confirmation of the call, Tauson took her time before her next serve, visibly frustrated. She ultimately double-faulted, evening the score at 5-all, sparking an enthusiastic reaction from the crowd, heavily in favor of Eala.

"The whole stadium was with her, so I'm sure the umpire felt pressure," commented Tauson.

Eala took command, winning 16 of the next 21 points, and found herself on the brink of victory. Although it took five match points to finally seize the win, Eala achieved her historic feat following an arduous battle lasting more than 2 1/2 hours.

When Tauson's final forehand went long, Eala collapsed on the court, overwhelmed with emotion, covering her face with both hands.

After meeting Tauson at the net for a handshake, Eala celebrated her triumph by skipping around the court, receiving cheers and admiration from the audience.

"I was just so over the moon," Eala conveyed, "and it was just such a rush of emotions."

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