Alex Eala’s US Open run has turned what was supposed to be a family wedding weekend in Seattle into an unexpected reunion in New York.

Former Philippine Sports Commission chairman Noli Eala said Alex would have flown straight to Seattle with her parents, Mike and Rizza, had she lost to world No. 46 Oleksandra Oliynykova of Ukraine in the second round.

But the 21-year-old Eala had other plans after a masterful 6-1, 6-4 victory over Oliynykova at Louis Armstrong Stadium last Friday earned her another chance to make history at Flushing Meadows — while forcing her family to adjust its plans.

“If she had lost, Alex would have flown straight out to Seattle. But because of her (second) round victory, Alex has to stay on and miss the wedding,” Noli said in a social media post.

“So now, the Ealas are flying into NY after the wedding to watch her instead. All good. All in for Alex. Let’s celebrate all of these priceless moments.”

Eala is set to face her good friend and world No. 14 Iva Jovic in the third round at the same venue, with a spot in the Last 16 at stake.

A victory over Jovic would match Eala’s best finish in a Grand Slam. She also reached the fourth round at Wimbledon last July, where she made history as the first Filipino to reach the tournament’s singles Last 16.

For Eala, however, navigating the demands that come with her rapid rise has been another learning experience.

More than a year into her WTA Tour career, the Filipina admits she is still learning how to balance the growing attention, commitments and expectations that come with her success.

“Of course, everything that has been coming my way is continuously uncharted territory for me, so I’m experiencing a lot of things for the first time. Like you said, it’s been a journey to learn my relationship with fame, especially with the exposure,” Eala said.

For now, though, the family’s plans have taken a back seat to Eala’s US Open campaign and with another victory, the Ealas will have even more reason to celebrate together in New York.