Eala in the mood for more after historic US Open win

From the brink to glory.

- By JOHN BRYAN ULANDAY

On National Heroes' Day at home, Alex Eala set out on her US Open main draw debut yesterday and put up her own bravery in pulling off a dramatic 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11) comeback win in New York over world No. 15 Clara Tauson of Denmark.

History was made as Eala fought back from what had looked like an imminent loss in the deciding set, thriving, surviving and eventually annexing a firstever Grand Slam victory, to the roaring approval of the cheering crowd at the Grandstand inside the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows.

In a triumph of unwavering grit and resilience, Eala overcame a 1-5 deficit in the final set for the epic win carved out in two hours and 36 minutes.

As if she doesn't boast enough "firsts" yet for Philippine tennis, the 20-year-old Eala soared to greater heights, becoming the first Filipina to score a main draw victory in any Grand Slam tournament.

"I'm super over the moon with what I was able to do today, especially coming back in the third," Eala said.

"It's a very special win for me.