Alex Eala is making an impression at the 2026 US Open—and this time, it is not only her tennis that has caught attention. The rising Filipina star has received a notable fashion endorsement from Anna Wintour, who singled out Eala while discussing the growing relationship between tennis and fashion.
Wintour, the former editor-in-chief of Vogue and a major figure in the fashion industry, pointed to Eala alongside Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, two players who have become closely associated with using fashion as a form of self-expression. While her comments do not confirm a forthcoming Vogue cover, campaign or formal collaboration, the recognition puts Eala firmly on the fashion radar.
Anna Wintour Takes Notice
Speaking in a US Open video, Wintour discussed how tennis players have increasingly used their wardrobes to express their personalities away from the traditional boundaries of sportswear.
She highlighted Williams and Osaka before turning her attention to Eala, describing the young Filipino star as someone who is already showing a strong interest in fashion and wants to learn more about the industry.
'You could see even in such a young star how interested she is in fashion and how she wants to learn about it and follow it,' Wintour said. She added that the relationship between the two industries was 'wonderful', describing the connection between sport and fashion as a 'marriage'.
The comments are significant because Wintour did not simply praise Eala's appearance. She identified her as part of a wider movement of athletes who understand that personal style can become an extension of their sporting identity.
However, there is an important distinction. Wintour's remarks do not confirm that Eala has been chosen for a Vogue project or that she is formally being positioned as the next major tennis fashion star.
Tennis 🤝 Fashion pic.twitter.com/ceqjAJ0qNj
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 26, 2026
A Vogue Connection Is Already Growing
Eala's appearance alongside Wintour at the US Open adds another intriguing layer.
The young tennis player was featured in an Instagram Reel shared by Vogue after attending an event at Arthur Ashe Stadium celebrating Roger Federer's return to the tournament. The social media post referred to the guests, including Eala, as 'friends of Vogue'.
That does not amount to a formal fashion appointment, but it does underline the increasing visibility Eala is receiving within fashion circles.
Her connection to Vogue is also not entirely new. She has previously appeared in Vogue Philippines, while the magazine has followed her growing profile as both a tennis player and a young Filipino style figure. Her fashion credentials extend beyond one appearance at the US Open.
Eala Has Been Building Her Style Identity
Eala's growing fashion profile has been shaped by a distinctly Filipino influence.
Earlier this year, she attended the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid wearing a modern Filipiniana created by her uncle, Filipino designer Rhett Eala. The look incorporated piña and allowed the young athlete to bring Filipino craftsmanship to an international red carpet.
Rhett previously revealed that Alex approached him with a clear idea of what she wanted from the outfit. She wanted something Filipino, incorporating piña, while also making sure the design would work for the evening after the formal event.
That sense of personal involvement could become an important part of Eala's fashion appeal. Rather than simply wearing high-profile labels, she has shown an interest in the story and cultural identity behind what she wears.
In an interview with Vogue Philippines, Eala also discussed her approach to fashion, saying she would like to work with more Filipino designers. She described her ideal tennis style as 'girly', 'confident' and 'a little edgy'.
Following the Serena and Naomi Blueprint
Wintour's reference to Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka is particularly revealing.
Both players have helped redefine what a tennis star can look like away from the traditional white kit. Williams has used fashion to make statements on court and at major events, while Osaka has become known for highly distinctive looks that connect sport, culture and personal identity.
Eala is still at the beginning of that journey, but Wintour's comments suggest she is being noticed as part of the same broader shift.
The timing is also striking. Eala arrives at this year's US Open after a breakthrough period in her tennis career. She recently became the first Filipino to win a WTA Tour-level singles title and has continued to attract international attention following her progress at Wimbledon.
Could Fashion Become Eala's Next Big Opportunity?
For now, there is no evidence that Wintour is preparing a major fashion project with Eala. Claims that she has been officially selected as the next Vogue star would go beyond what has actually been reported.
But the ingredients for a bigger fashion profile are certainly there.
Eala has sporting credibility, a growing international audience, an interest in fashion and a distinctive connection to Filipino design. Her appearances at major events also give fashion brands and magazines an increasingly valuable opportunity to reach a young global audience through an athlete rather than a traditional celebrity.
Wintour's praise may be less a formal coronation and more a significant signal that Eala's style is beginning to attract attention in influential fashion circles.
For the 21-year-old, the US Open could ultimately prove to be more than another important chapter in her tennis career. With her game gaining international recognition and her fashion identity developing alongside it, Eala may be building the foundations of a second career in style—one that could take her well beyond the tennis court.
