John Bryan Ulanday

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala enters the final phase of her build-up with an exhibition match against her good pal Iva Jovic as the US Open draws the battle lines Friday before the main draw action early next week.

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala enters the final phase of her US Open build-up with an exhibition match against good pal Iva Jovic at 6:30

MANILA, Philippines — No Filipino individual athlete has ever played at the gargantuan Philippine Arena.

MANILA, Philippines — Magpapakitang-gilas sina Alex Eala at Janice Tjen ng Indonesia bilang kauna-unahang indibidwal na atletang Pinoy sa Philippine Arena sa Bocaue, Bulacan sa Disyembre 8.

MANILA, Philippines — And the battle lines are drawn. Fresh off making history for the Philippines as a cover feature for both Sports

MANILA, Philippines — And the battle lines are drawn. Alex Eala, after setting another history for the Philippines as the cover of Sports

Alex Eala will play for more than herself in the US Open.

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala will be playing for more than herself at the US Open.

Stepping on the brightest stage yet of her blooming career, the 21-year-old Filipina will carry the hope of an entire nation with her in the season's final Grand Slam.

MANILA, Philippines — Welcome to the Alex Eala mania. The Filipina tennis rockstar will not play in the US Open main draw until Wednesday, but