MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala continued to make history on the courts of New York.

Eala took down World No. 15 Clara Tauson of Denmark in an epic first-round battle in the 2025 US Open, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11), early Monday (Philippine time).

She becomes the first Filipino woman to win a match at a Grand Slam singles tournament in the Open era, ending her string of first-round exits since entering the main draws.

Eala also won her first Grand Slam in the juniors division at Flushing Meadows when she ruled the 2022 US Open girls singles tournament.

The Filipino tennis ace, ranked 75th in the world, showcased grit like no other as she battled back from a 5-1 deficit in the deciding third set to force the tiebreak.

Buoyed by the predominantly Filipino crowd at the Grandstand court, Eala powered her way through the 10-point tiebreak, even with Tauson erasing her 8-4 advantage.

After four match points, Eala finally got her breakthrough as she slumped to the court in tears.

“It was so, so difficult. I was so happy I was able to dig deep and push the limit, physically and mentally. This was it,” Eala said during her oncourt interview.

Eala acknowledged the crowd that gave her a massive boost against a tough opponent like Tauson, who has already won three WTA titles at age 22.

“It’s so special. They [the crowd] make me more and more special to be a Filipino. It’s something I take so much pride in.”