Ealamania, the Filipino phenomenon and his followers, took over the US Open. Alex Eala, whose popularity has swept the tennis world and even transcended the sport, beat Mary Stoiana 6-1, 6-2 in the first round on Tuesday. And she did it with the crowd of Filipino fans in the stadium and millions of followers on online social media that have been so shocking, even for Eala herself. “I think I’ve experienced it a lot recently, and in terms of being professional, compartmentalizing and finding my peace, I definitely have a better rhythm. But this doesn’t get old. They still surprise me, yes, they do,” said Eala, who even had her fans take baby photos of her to autograph. Alexandra Eala celebrates after winning a point during her straight sets victory over Mary Stoiana in the first round of the US Open on September 1, 2026 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. AP “They’re very creative. The fans are very creative and I love watching it. Yeah, I was surprised. I thought it was super cute and they just made my day.” Eala’s meteoric rise has been such that there was no doubt that the packed crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium would support her against an American playing in her home Slam. The questions were rather how many Filipino flags would fly in the stands, to what extent their popularity would increase ticket prices and to what extent their appeal could energize the sport. Yes, that’s how much aura Eala has, how far and how fast her star has risen. Football, basketball and of course boxing are bigger in the Philippines than tennis. Former world fighting champion Manny Pacquiao is the greatest sports icon in the country’s history. But is it the one that is growing the fastest today? That’s Eala, who is still 21 years old. She defeated Iga Swiatek last year in Miami and at Wimbledon in July. But it was becoming the first player from the Philippines to win a professional tennis title, beating Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula at the DC Open, that prompted the country’s president to host a reception in her honor and call for a national celebration. With Eala, it’s not just about his game, but his reach. She has 2 million followers on Instagram and joined Serena Williams and Anna Wintour for an event honoring Roger Federer at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Alexandra Eala hits a backhand during her straight sets victory in the first round of the US Open. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post His Toronto Open debut sold out less than half an hour after his match time was announced. In D.C., organizers said more than 80 percent of ticket requests were for Eala. And on Tuesday, when ticket prices for three of the four sessions were under $120, including Coco Gauff at Arthur Ashe, the exception was $357 to see Eala, according to TicketData.com. Fans surrounded Louis Armstrong waiting to participate in his match. And when they did, some waved Filipino flags proudly and had Eala’s face emblazoned on personalized T-shirts, the same face that’s on a billboard along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Manila’s longest stretch of road. Filipino fans cheer on Alexandra Eala during her first-round victory at the US Open. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post A focus of national pride for a country where income disparity is a big problem, Eala has said that the pressure of playing tennis “is nothing compared to the pressures Filipinos face every day to support their families.” There are an estimated 260,000 Filipinos here in the city, with the largest concentration in Queens. The Little Manila neighborhood is just a few miles from the US Open, as the crow flies, or a short drive down Highway 7. Many came out in droves Tuesday to cheer it on. Alexandra Eala hits a forehand during her US Open first round victory. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post “The support I have received over the last few days here in New York and, honestly, and to be honest, around the world… MARAMING SALAMAT MGA KABABAYAN!” Eala said on the court, which roughly translates from Tagalog to “Thank you very much, compatriots.” “I thank the community here in New York, the tennis fans, not only from the Philippines, but they have made me feel so loved.” Eala played from the baseline, putting pressure on her American rival. He got a quick double break to take a 4-0 lead and dominate the first set. His left-handed serve is far from powerful, but he is improving, and he landed 65 percent of his first serves and won 78 percent of his first-serve points to take the first set. Eala fended off a brief challenge from Stoiana, breaking and then holding to take a 4-2 lead. She avoided a total of six break points to seal it, to raucous applause and a second round date against Oleksandra Oliynykova.
