John OwolabiFor Alexandra Eala, the US Open 2025 wasn’t just about making history on court—it also brought tangible rewards in the form of prize money and ranking points. After her breakthrough victory in the opening round at Flushing Meadows, the 20-year-old Filipina star secured not only her place in the record books but also a valuable boost to her professional journey.
Eala pocketed $123,000 in prize money for reaching the second round of the women’s singles draw. While it may pale in comparison to the millions handed out to champions, the sum is significant for a rising player still climbing the ranks. For a young pro working her way up the WTA Tour, these earnings help fund the grueling demands of the tennis calendar—coaching, travel, physiotherapy, and everything else that goes into competing at the highest level.
But the prize money is only part of the story. More importantly, Eala earned 70 valuable WTA ranking points for her run at the US Open. Those points could play a crucial role in her climb up the rankings ladder, giving her a stronger shot at direct entries into future Grand Slam main draws and higher-tier WTA events. For players outside the very top echelon, every point counts, and this haul is a welcome boost to Eala’s season.
The ranking points also carry symbolic weight. They reflect not just financial gain, but recognition of Eala’s progress as a legitimate competitor among the sport’s elite. Each match she wins at a Slam doesn’t just move her forward in a tournament—it cements her reputation as a rising force. Her second-round appearance in New York reinforces her trajectory toward becoming one of Asia’s leading players on tour.
The historic victory that earned her these rewards was especially sweet. By defeating her first-round opponent, Eala became the first Filipina to win a main-draw singles match at the US Open. That moment alone carried immense pride and inspiration for her supporters back home. The prize money and ranking points were the professional cherries on top—proof that success on the biggest stages comes with rewards that fuel even bigger dreams.
For Eala, the US Open may have ended in the second round against Spain’s Cristina Bucsa, but the impact will be felt long after the last ball was struck. The financial support, the ranking boost, and the surge in global recognition all point to a future filled with more opportunities. And if her words are any indication—“I’m in the mood for more”—this is just the beginning.
Musa
