Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alex Eala are set for their doubles debut in the US Open Mixed Doubles, after the pair received a wildcard to play the tournament.
Neither player played the inaugurual tournament last year, but they will absolutely be one of the star attractions this year, partly due to Eala’s increased popularity in recent months.
The Filipina star has been a real attraction on the North American hardcourt swing after winning the Washington Open title and selling out matches in Toronto and Cincinnati.
Eala’s popularity is set to continue at the US Open and the Grand Slam has cashed in by signing her up to the doubles, as well as an exhibition match with Iva Jovic in the tournament’s opening week.
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Speaking to The Tennis Channel about her his partnership with Eala came about, Auger-Aliassime said: “Well, same agency and then I think the people in our teams kind of talked and made that happen.
“But yeah, it’s a great opportunity because obviously I didn’t play last year, but this time around to kind of feel what it’s like to have the Eala effect and fan base behind me. It’s going to be it’s going to be funny because she’s younger than me, but she has a fan base, right? Like she’s carrying the the crowd. So, it’s going to be interesting.”
Despite the gruelling schedule on the ATP Tour, Auger-Aliassime is excited to add another competitive tournament ahead of the US Open, to keep him raring to go for the final Grand Slam of the year.
“But, you know what it is? I think what’s great is it keeps you in that competitive mindset,” said the Canadian.
“It’s so different when you’re kind of relaxed and you’re training and doing appearances and sponsor stuff, like it’s different than being out there on the court when somebody wants to beat you, right? Like that that competitive thing when you’re out there in the arena.
“So to stay in touch with that during the week with the mixed doubles, that is also not as much pressure as the singles court, I think is a great thing. And everybody’s playing the part, everybody’s being super competitive, so I think I’m going to love it out there.”
Auger-Aliassime is still competing at the Cincinnati Open, having beaten Juan Manuel Cerundolo in his third round match to set up a clash with Frances Tiafoe.
Eala, meanwhile, was beaten in the third round by Amanda Anisimova, so she will have more days to prepare for the US Open than her doubles partner.
The 21-year-old should have good memories at the Grand Slam, as she picked up her very first major singles victory at the tournament in 2025.
She stunned Clara Tauson in her opening round match to make the second round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career at last year’s event.
