Alex Eala won’t change approach, even in rich US Open

Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, reacts during a match against Belinda Bencic, of Switzerland, during a round of 16 match at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026. (Keito Newman/The Canadian Press via AP)

No matter how the draw turns out, Alex Eala could be headed for a windfall at the US Open as she participates in two of the events, with a record payout for the tournament at the Flushing Meadows in Queens, New York.

That will be the farthest thing in the mind of the Filipino superstar, however, as she sticks to what has been a successful routine for her so far.

“I kind of go with the flow,” Eala told journalists when asked if she prepares differently depending on where she is playing. “I think at the end of the day, [they have] the same lines [on the court] and it’s the same size ball.”

READ: Alex Eala begins US Open training at Arthur Ashe Stadium

“So if I guess, of course, each city brings [something different] and the crowds, especially, bring different energy, But when you’re on court and you know what you have to do, nothing changes much.”

Eala will be on the court a lot more than usual as she guns for her first singles Grand Slam title and battles some of the biggest names in the sport when she teams up with Canadian ace Felix Auger-Aliassime in mixed doubles.

Auger-Aliassime has expressed excitement over the chance to experience the kind of atmosphere Eala brings into games, as the 21-year-old standout has been the most popular player on the women’s tour for quite some time now.

READ: Alex Eala slowly becoming more versatile, complete player

“It’s a great opportunity to kind of feel what it’s like to have that Eala effect and her fanbase behind me,” Auger-Aliassime said.

“It’s kinda funny because she’s younger than me, but I feel like she has the fan base and she’s carrying the crowd,” he added. “So it’s going to be interesting.”

Eala will be seeded into the singles draw, where the champion will get a top prize of $5.5 million (roughly P339 million).

Making it to the round of 16, like she did at Wimbledon earlier this year, would guarantee $480,000 (about P30 million).

The top prize in mixed doubles is $1 million (around P62 million).

The draw for the mixed doubles was being held at press time, while the singles draw will take place on Friday, with Eala expected to be at the upper half of the seed bracket because of her world ranking.

With the US Open sitting on one of the biggest Filipino communities in New York, the tournament is expected to provide another showcase of Eala’s drawing power.