Alex Eala thrives on hard courts, the surface she grew up playing in the Philippines. Her aggressive baseline game and early ball-striking suit the quick, flat ground, a preference rooted in familiarity. Eala's career milestones, including her 2022 US Open girls' title and 2025 Miami Open run, were achieved on hard courts.

She defeated Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek in Miami, becoming the first Filipina to beat a Grand Slam champion at a tour-level event. Her 2025 US Open main-draw win over Clara Tauson made her the first Filipino in the Open era to win a Grand Slam singles match. Eala's serve has improved dramatically, with 56 aces in 2026, up from 23 in 2025.

She won her first WTA Tour title in Washington D. C., defeating Leylah Fernandez, Naomi Osaka, Elina Svitolina, and Jessica Pegula. Her 12-4 record in 2025 included the Lexus Birmingham Open and a Wimbledon fourth-round appearance.

Eala aims to build on this momentum at the US Open, backed by her nation's support.