When the stakes rise, the tension always boils over. And for Alexandra Eala , every point matters. The 20-year-old from the Philippines is making her US Open debut, and she’s not backing down. Facing Clara Tauson in the opener was no easy task, but Eala has beaten top names this year. She’s proven she has the momentum to take on anyone. Tauson, though, wasn’t too pleased.

On Sunday, Eala came out blazing. She grabbed the first set 6-3 against Denmark’s Tauson, and the New York crowd roared. Fans were hooked as the two traded heavy rallies. But Tauson struck back. She dominated the second set 6-2, forcing a decider and ratcheting up the tension.

The third set was pure drama. Eala trailed 1-5 but refused to quit. She mounted a fearless comeback, clawing to 4-5. Then came the controvers

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