Filipina teen tennis sensation Alex Eala will kick off her 2021 US Open campaign on Tuesday, September 7, on Court 14 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.

After earning a first-round bye, Eala will size up to American Charlotte Owensby, who advanced to the second round after defeating
Thailand’s Pimrada Jattavapornvanit, 6-1, 7-6 (3).

The junior world No. 2 will be facing the 18-year-old home bet at 11pm, Philippine time.

In the girls doubles, Eala will be the teaming up with Belgium’s Hanne Vanderwinkle, where the pair is seeded No. 6 and also got a first-round bye in the event.

Eala is seeing action at the Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2019 as organizers canceled the 2020 juniors tournament over coronavirus fears.

The 16-year-old Filipina, who is seeded No. 2 in the tournament, is aiming for her third Grand Slam title after her French Open juniors doubles conquest with Russian partner Oksana Selekhmeteva.

She looks to avoid an upset this time after making early second round exits in her Wimbledon debut last June in both the singles and doubles events.

Eala won her first Grand Slam title in the 2020 Australian Open juniors tournament where she paired up with Indonesian Priska Nugroho to capture the girls doubles title.

The Rafael Nadal Academy scholar continues to make waves this year, winning her first professional title last January and closing in on the top 500 in the Women’s Tennis Association rankings. – Rappler.com