Alex Eala Falls to Bucsa, Wraps Up Historic US Open Campaign
ALEX EALA – Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala’s inspiring US Open run came to a close after falling to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa in the second round.
Alex Eala saw her US Open 2025 journey come to an end after falling to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, during their second-round clash early Thursday (Philippine time) at Court 7 of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.
The 27-year-old Bucsa, ranked World No. 95, leaned on her experience to outlast the 20-year-old Eala, who had been riding high following her historic first-round win earlier in the week. Despite being ranked lower, Bucsa—competing in her fifth US Open appearance—proved steadier under pressure, especially during crucial points that decided the match.
In the opening set, Eala held a slim 4-3 advantage before Bucsa shifted momentum, reeling off three straight games to take control. The Spaniard’s ability to fend off three breakpoints and force Eala into consecutive errors sealed the set in her favor.
The second set started more positively for the young Filipina, who took a 2-1 lead. However, after they were tied at 3-3, Bucsa raised her level, breaking Eala’s serve and stringing together three consecutive games to secure the victory in just one hour and 22 minutes. Bucsa’s win marked her best US Open run to date, equaling her third-round finish at Wimbledon earlier this year.
Eala showed glimpses of her fighting spirit, saving a breakpoint in the ninth game of the second set, but two costly mistakes ultimately handed Bucsa the sweep. The match highlighted the difference in consistency, with Eala committing 21 unforced errors compared to Bucsa’s 12.
This tournament marked Eala’s third and final Grand Slam main draw appearance of the year. Her opening-round triumph over Denmark’s Clara Tauson, then ranked World No. 14, was historic, making her the first Filipino in the Open Era to secure a singles main draw victory at a Grand Slam event.
Despite the early exit, Eala’s ranking is projected to climb from her current World No. 75, adding another milestone to her promising career. A former US Open girls’ singles champion in 2022, she continues to inspire hope for Philippine tennis on the global stage.