The 2026 US Open has become the stage for a wave of "Alex Eala fever," with the Filipino tennis star drawing intense fan interest ahead of her first-round match, according to Manila Bulletin.
Eala, who has been described by the Wall Street Journal as a 21-year-old sensation with a reported 120 million fans, is set to begin her campaign against an American qualifier who has yet to be tested at this level, as reported by Rappler. The matchup has proven so popular that ticket prices for her opener have surged, according to The Manila Times.
Manila Bulletin also notes that Eala is expected to attract a large crowd in one of the tournament's biggest stadiums for her opening match. The combination of her youth, global fanbase, and the novelty of her opponent has turned her first appearance into one of the most anticipated events of the early rounds.
The attention marks a significant moment for Philippine tennis, with Eala emerging as a mainstream sports figure both at home and internationally. The Wall Street Journal's characterization of her massive following underscores how her appeal extends far beyond traditional tennis markets, making her one of the most-watched players in the tournament's opening days.
The US Open is scheduled to begin this week, with Eala's first-round match serving as an early test of whether she can translate her popularity into on-court success. Her path forward will depend on how she handles the pressure of playing in front of an expectant crowd and against an opponent with nothing to lose.
Watch for how Eala performs in her opener and whether the ticket surge translates into a deep run in the tournament.
