Alex Eala reveals biggest lesson Venus Williams taught her and it could help her win the US Open

Alex Eala has shared the biggest lesson that seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams taught her, as she seeks glory at the US Open.

The Filipina athlete is enjoying a breakout season for the WTA ages; prior to the hardcourt swing’s most recent 1000 events, Eala secured her first Tour title in Washington.

The 21-year-old enters the US Open with a solid record against Top 10 opponents in 2026 — one of whom, Jessica Pegula, she beat to secure the 500 title in DC — and is tipped to beat anyone at her strongest.

Eala suffered a Round of 16 defeat to Swiss superstar Belinda Bencic in Toronto, then a Round of 32 loss to Amanda Anisimova in Cincinnati, but the strength shown to prevail at the Washington Open has left her fans hoping.

Should the 21-year-old lift the US Open trophy in September, she would be second only to declining British superstar Emma Raducanu for underdog victories at the Slam this decade — however, Eala will be hoping her career continues on a dramatically more positive trajectory than that of the Brit.

Eala also lost in the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship, partnered with Canadian talent Felix Auger-Aliassime, then played an exhibition match with her father Mike in the build-up to the tournament. She was also spotted training with Williams prior to the singles competition.

With the Slam right on the verge of getting underway, the Filipina has not been starved of on-court time heading into it; now, Eala is sharing the best lesson taught to her by Williams as she looks to secure the first major title of her blossoming career.

Eala shares biggest lesson taught by Williams, as she seeks US Open glory

The Filipina superstar and Williams were doubles partners at the Bad Homburg Open in June, as the pair made a fan-favourite run to the quarter-finals. The unlikely duo teamed up once more in Toronto, losing in the Round of 32.

Now, after being posted by the official US Open account training together ahead of the singles Slam event, Eala has opened up about the influence of Williams in a pre-tournament presser.

"Of course, this year, having had the pleasure to play doubles twice with Venus [Williams], I’ve learned a lot about her mentality on court,” revealed the 21-year-old.

“[I’ve also learned] things about how she championed equal prize money with her sister… What they’ve had to work towards, and what they’ve had to work through to get to where they are now.

“It is so inspiring,” blushed Eala. “So there are so many stories behind the scenes that you might not even realise. So that really keeps me humble. It keeps me motivated to work harder and be among and stay among these incredible people,” concluded the Filipina.

Williams also spoke fondly of the 21-year-old after their doubles run concluded in Toronto, describing Eala as a “world star.”

“It was amazing to play under the lights. I think we both thrive in pressure situations,” gushed Williams. "Alex is a world star. She's just incredible.

"Besides the fact of her tennis, she's an incredible person, well-spoken, and just an impressive young lady. So I like being around those kinds of things — I think we both lift each other up.”

Eala’s opening match at the 2026 US Open is likely to take place on Sunday, and the 21-year-old has already announced her next major event following the Slam.

The Filipina athlete will face American qualifier Mary Stoiana in her first round match-up on Monday, and possibly four Grand Slam winners in the later rounds, as the WTA superstar chases US Open glory.