Alex Eala has already set stunning 2026 US Open record before playing a match

Alex Eala has set another record at the US Open before playing a match - and it could take some beating.

In the wake of a number of tennis legends moving on from the sport - Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Serena Williams to name several - there is a mantle that needs filling by the next wave of players.

A number of breakout stars are now dominating the headlines as we search for the next characters that will fly the flag for the next ten years.

Arthur Fery's Wimbledon rise has propelled him to British number one status, while Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz control a joint monopoly over the major honours on the ATP Tour.

On the women's side, Emma Raducanu's continuously expanding injury record has thwarted her upcomance as Aryna Sabalenka is getting back to her best and looks poised to reign for a few more years.

But new personalities are now emerging, such as the Philippines' new heroine Alex Eala.

The 21-year-old won her first WTA Tour title in Washington earlier this year and has risen through the rankings in 2026 to the current position of 18th in the world (from 53rd).

But her remarkable season has been topped off by a massive following, as fans from the Philippines are selling out stadiums in record time for the sport.

The huge fan base has witnessed history as she continues to break her own records in the sport and has compared her influence to that of Manny Pacquiao.

Ahead of the US Open, Eala's appearance is buzzing with anticipation, as she can become the greatest tennis player from her nation with a handful of wins, and continue a trajectory that pundits think will end with a world number one ranking.

But even more history has been made, as Eala's exhibition warm-up has become the most-viewed video of its kind on YouTube since the US Open began its coverage of the 2026 tournaments.

Currently at 1.8 million views, the Stars of the Open game versus Iva Jovic has a higher viewer count than the Men's US Open Final in 2009 between Juan Martin del Potro and Roger Federer.

The Stars of the Open series started last year, but the previous record was set at 624,000 views for the Andre Agassi / Coco Gauff vs Serena Williams / John McEnroe mixed doubles exhibition match.

By comparison, three other Stars of the Open matches took place this weekend: Marta Kostyuk vs Amanda Anisimova (347k views at the time of writing); Learner Tien vs Flavio Cobolli (163k); and Alex Michelson vs Arthur Fils (297k).

For an even more notable comparison, highlights of the 2025 men's singles final between Alcaraz and Sinner has 1.3 million views.

For a simple friendly game of tennis lasting just over 50 minutes, the sheer volume of fans tuning in just goes to show how popular Eala is, and epitomises how she can sell out stadiums in minutes.

Eala will kick off her US Open proper journey with a first-round match against American Mary Stoiana.

Greatness could be on the cards too, as four Grand Slam winners stand on her side of the bracket to the final, which would be an incredible feat to witness.