Alex Eala returns to the US Open with a roaring fan base and on a path to stardom

NEW YORK (AP) -- More than 8,000 fans packed the Grandstand at the US Open last year to witness Alex Eala rally from down 5-1 in the third set to upset 14th-ranked Clara Tauson. The crowd went crazy, waving Filipino flags to celebrate the comeback. Eala is now up to a career-best 18th in the world, and at just 21 appears to be on a trajectory to stardom that has outgrown all but the biggest venues at Flushing Meadows. "The crowd is going to be wild for her," ESPN's Patrick McEnroe said. "Better