US Open legend predicts Alex Eala will reach a milestone no Filipina has ever done before
Alex Eala is going for her first Grand Slam win at the US Open as an exciting 2026 season wraps up – and Greg Rusedski truly believes she can reach the very top.
Last month, Alex made history by becoming the first Filipina to win a WTA singles title, beating Jessica Pegula in the Washington Open final. The 21-year-old had amazing support during that tournament, and it stayed strong as she played in Toronto and Cincinnati, where she reached the round of 16 and 32.
Her mixed doubles run at the US Open with Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime ended quickly on Tuesday, losing in three sets to Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina.
Now, Alex is focused on making even more history by trying to become the first Filipina to win a Grand Slam. She’s proving why she’s one of the hottest players in women’s tennis right now. Since breaking into the world’s top 50 at the end of 2025, she’s climbed to a career-high No. 18 in the WTA rankings.
Her growing popularity has even caught the attention of tennis legend John McEnroe, who thinks the US Open should put her on bigger courts because of the big crowds she draws.
Greg Rusedski believes Alex can become the first Filipina to be world No. 1 if she improves her serve. This view is shared by Rick Macci, who coached stars like Serena and Venus Williams and Jennifer Capriati.
“Rick Macci, who worked with Serena, Venus, and Capriati, said if she can get her serve technically strong enough, she’s going to be number one because she’ll have those first three big shots,” said Rusedski, a 1997 US Open finalist, on his podcast.
Rusedski also praised Alex’s strong mindset, saying that’s why she can reach the top. He said, “Mentally, she’s second to none. I’ve worked with many players and the most important thing is the belief and confidence. She ticks all those boxes.”
Alex has won 7 of her last 10 matches against top 10 players, including four wins over top 5 stars like Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, and Jessica Pegula. To win the US Open, she’ll need to keep up this amazing record, and she clearly can handle the pressure of big moments.