Alex Eala will compete in singles and mixed doubles at the US Open in New York, where the Filipino tennis star could earn record prize money while continuing her preparations for her first Grand Slam singles title.
Eala, who will be seeded in the singles draw, said she plans to maintain the routine that has helped her succeed rather than make major adjustments for the tournament.
“I kind of go with the flow,” Eala told reporters when asked whether she prepares differently depending on the venue.
She said differences in cities and crowd energy do not change her approach once she steps onto the court.
Eala will also compete in mixed doubles with Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, who said he looks forward to experiencing the support the Filipino player receives from her fans.
“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.
The US Open singles champion will receive $5.5 million, or about P339 million. Eala would earn $480,000, or roughly P30 million, if she reaches the round of 16, matching her run at Wimbledon earlier this year.
The mixed doubles champion will receive $1 million, or about P62 million.
The mixed doubles draw was scheduled for Thursday, while the singles draw will take place Friday. Eala is expected to land in the upper half of the singles seed bracket based on her world ranking.
With New York home to one of the largest Filipino communities in the United States, the US Open also gives Eala another opportunity to draw support from Filipino fans.