| Photo via USTA
FLUSHING, NY — The USTA has officially announced the four rising tennis standouts who will headline the 2026 Stars of the Open presented by Chase, and at the center of the spotlight is Filipina tennis star Alex Eala, continuing her ascent as one of Asia’s most promising athletes on the global stage. The exhibition will take place on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 6 p.m. inside Arthur Ashe Stadium during US Open Fan Week.
This year marks the fourth consecutive year that the USTA and Chase have partnered to present the event, which has become a marquee showcase for the sport’s next generation. For Filipino Americans, Eala’s inclusion adds a layer of pride and representation at one of the world’s most visible tennis platforms.
Eala Headlines a Global Quartet of Rising Stars
Eala, now 21, enters the exhibition following a historic 2025 season that made her the highest‑ranked Filipino player in WTA history, breaking into the Top 30 and becoming a symbol of possibility for young Fil‑Am athletes. Her participation continues to energize Filipino communities across New York and New Jersey, where tennis programs have seen a surge in youth enrollment.
Joining her is Joao Fonseca, the 19‑year‑old Brazilian sensation who became the youngest ATP champion in his country’s history. His explosive style and fast rise have made him one of the most watched young players on tour.
Rounding out the lineup are two American standouts: Iva Jovic, 18, now the youngest player in the WTA Top 20, and Learner Tien, 20, who reached ATP No. 18 after a breakthrough season highlighted by a stunning upset over a Top‑5 opponent at the 2025 Australian Open.
Tickets, Purpose, and Community Impact
Tickets for Stars of the Open are now available, starting at $30 through USOpen.org and Ticketmaster. A portion of proceeds supports the USTA Foundation and its National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network, which provides tennis, tutoring, and mentorship to more than 233,000 youth in underserved communities nationwide.
For Fil‑Am families, the event offers both entertainment and inspiration—especially as Eala’s presence continues to elevate Filipino visibility in American sports culture. The exhibition blends athletic excellence with a charitable mission, making it a signature moment of Fan Week.
A Fan Week Tradition Continues
Now in its fourth year under USTA and Chase sponsorship, Stars of the Open has become a must‑see event for fans eager to witness the future of tennis. With Eala leading a diverse, international cast, the 2026 edition promises to deliver one of the most exciting nights leading into the US Open.
