NEW YORK – Alexandra Eerra has become the first player to represent the Philippines to win a Grand Slam match during the opening era. 14th seed Clara Towson 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11) returned from a 5-1 shortfall in the third set, and gained help from a major video review decision before beating No. 14 seed Clara Towson 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11).
Eala is 20 years old and ranks 75th, and is trained at Rafael Nadal Academy. This was her fourth victory over her top 20 opponents in 2025, including a matchup against IGA Swiatek in March on the way to the Miami Open semi-finals.
The pivotal moment came in the final set in the grandstands, where Towson clinged to a 5-4 lead and served his second match. Ira hit a shot near the net, but it was not immediately clear whether the racket crossed the tape and contacted the ball during play, but was not permitted.
Chairperson’s judge Kader Nouni adopted a video review. This is a system introduced in 2023 at the US Open by a small number of courts, allowing staff to check calls such as double bounces, and has been expanded to all 17 competitive arenas this year.
Nouni decided that Ira had hit the ball fairly and awarded her points, where she gave her two chances of resting 15-40. However, there was a long delay before the action resumed, but Towson said, “Look at the ball. What’s your opinion about this? What’s your opinion?” part of the stand booed her.
Even after his decision was made clear to everyone, Towson spent the extra time standing at the baseline with his hands on his hips before hitting the next serve. Eventually, Towson double folded it into five, eliciting a wild response from the crowd who had loudly supported Ira.
It gave Eerra 16 of her final 21 points, and soon she left the victory. However, it took a little time. In the end, we needed five match points to finish the victory after more than two and a half hours.
As Towson sent her last forehand long, Ira fell on her back on the court, lifting her chest and covering her face with both hands.
After Ira stood up and met Towson online for a handshake, the winner skipped around the court while the audience gathered approval.
ESPN research and Associated Press contributed to this report.
