Alex Eala continues to make headlines even before competing in the US Open as she will join forces with world No. 4 Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada in the mixed doubles event.

The 21-year-old Eala has yet to play at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in New York City, but she was announced Tuesday, along with Auger-Aliassime, as one of the pairs who will banner the final Grand Slam of the year.

Eala is currently battling Asian Games gold medalist Zheng Qinwen of China in the Round of 32 of the Washington Open at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center.

While Eala has yet to capture a Grand Slam title, a couple of Japanese stars have expressed the opinion about her rise.

Former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori and former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka have been impressed with how Eala has been climbing the rankings.

For Nishikori, a finalist in the 2014 US Open, Eala has the potential to crack the Top 10 of the WTA rankings soon, and he is happy to see another Asian player thriving on the WTA Tour.

“She can be top 10 any time if she can stay healthy and play good, mentally stay tough,” said Nishikori, who is set to retire after the season.

“I’m actually really happy. She has the most potential, I think, among many Asians. I hope Naomi and Eala can stay up there.”

While Osaka has yet to face Eala in a match, she has nothing but praise for the Filipina.

“I don’t know much about Alex, but I think she’s incredible. I think she’s a star, and it’s just really cool to have someone like her that, I guess, people can look up to,” Osaka said.

“For me, I think it’s amazing that she’s such an inspiration. Really love hearing her talk because it’s really cool the things that she says.”

Eala admitted she was honored to hear such words from two of Asia’s most accomplished tennis players.

“Yeah, that’s super flattering coming from Naomi and Kei,” Eala told Philippine Tennis Association board member Dyan Castillejo in an interview.

“Like you said, two tennis greats and two Asians who I look up to.”

Eala said she grew up watching Nishikori, who became the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam singles final at the 2014 US Open, while Osaka’s four Grand Slam titles and influence beyond tennis also left a lasting impression on her.

“They have been very successful, that’s for sure, and I remember I would watch Kei a lot when I was younger and of course, Naomi blew up so much each time that she won the four Grand Slams,” Eala said.

“She’s been doing so much for fashion and being a mom, so that’s amazing to hear from them.”