New York, September 2: Alexandra Eala kicked off her US Open 2026 campaign with a solid victory. Eala defeated American qualifier Mary Stoiana to secure her place in the second round.
The 17th seed faced a packed crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium and initially struggled in her first service game, saving two break points. It seemed Eala needed those pressure moments to find her rhythm. She quickly gained control, winning the first set 6-1 after establishing a 5-0 lead, winning 84% of her first-service points.
Stoiana created two break point opportunities in Eala’s first service game of the second set. However, Eala maintained her composure and kept the pressure on. A crucial break in the fifth game of the second set propelled her toward victory.
Eala finished the match in the same dominant fashion she began, winning the last five games consecutively. In critical moments, she was nearly flawless, saving all six break points against her and converting four out of eight break opportunities on Stoiana’s serve.
The Filipino player will face Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliniakova in the second round. Their last encounter was earlier this year in Strasbourg, where Oliniakova triumphed over Eala with a score of 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.
Eala’s victory highlights her impressive performance during the North American hard-court swing. Since Wimbledon, she has won nine of her last eleven matches on hard courts.
In her US Open debut in 2025, Eala defeated 14th seed Clara Tauson but lost to Cristina Bucsa in the second round. Continuing her Grand Slam success this season, she has now won her first match in two consecutive majors, including her best career run to the fourth round at Wimbledon earlier this summer.
Leave a Comment