Alex Eala’s busy schedule has been a source of debate following her superb recent run, but Greg Rusedski has “no concern” that the Filipina could be playing too much before the US Open.
The 21-year-old played eight matches between 28 July and 10 August as she won the Washington Open and reached the fourth round at the Canadian Open.
Eala has played 56 matches in 2026 across 21 tournaments either on the main WTA Tour or ITF/Challenger Circuit.
The world No 20 will next compete at the WTA 1000 event in Cincinnati before heading to New York for the US Open.
On the latest episode of his Off Court With Greg Rusedski podcast, Rusedski addressed whether Eala could be tired when she gets to the US Open.
“No, no chance of that happening,” said the 1997 US Open finalist.
“Yes, she’s going to get the load, but if you need to win a major, you need to win seven matches in a row, and she’s done that already.
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“It’s been fantastic, the reception she got in Toronto for her opening match was brilliant, the speech to the crowd was electrifying, and the people who came were just delighted to see her. And then to back it up again by beating [Caty] McNally.
“I feel like physically she’s already in good shape, she’s strong mentally — the mind and body go hand in hand. And when you’re young, the body bounces back a lot quicker than when you get into your 30s and later years.
“So, I’m not worried about that. She’ll play Cincy, and then she’ll have a week off to prepare for the US Open. That’s what all the big names do, so for me, there’s no concern.
“Just been super impressed, and it just keeps on solidifying why we think she’s gonna be a big star in this game — and already is.”
The former world No 4 added: “You’ve gotta remember, Eala’s from the Philippines — they’ve never had a tennis player who’s achieved what she’s achieved.
“The other player that it reminds me of with a country that doesn’t have a massive history of tennis was Gustavo Kuerten.
“When he went out and won the French Open three times, he was as big as the footballers in his country. And when Brazilians play, now all of a sudden with [Joao] Fonseca, you see the crowds coming in… but you gotta look at Eala-mania – this is totally different!”
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