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Eala Effect Spurs Nearly $400 US Open Tickets

9/1/2026

13 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Alex Eala entered the 2026 US Open as the 17th seed and world No. 18.
Her first-round match against qualifier Mary Stoiana was set for Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Resale tickets jumped from under $200 to nearly $400 after her schedule was released.
US Open director Eric Butorac said the “Eala Effect” is boosting ticket demand and practice-court crowds.

History

Historical Context

Li Na’s historic June 4 2011 French Open victory made her the first Asian Grand Slam champion, prompting Paris ticket resale prices to jump 85 %—from €120 to €222—within weeks. Sixteen years later, Filipino prodigy Alex Eala’s 2026 US Open debut sparked similar spikes, pushing New York resale tickets from under $200 to nearly $400, urging organizers to rethink pricing.

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Story summary

Alex Eala entered the 2026 US Open as the 17th seed and world No. 18.
Her first-round match against qualifier Mary Stoiana was set for Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Resale tickets jumped from under $200 to nearly $400 after her schedule was released.
US Open director Eric Butorac said the “Eala Effect” is boosting ticket demand and practice-court crowds.

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