| Photo by Troi Santos
NEW YORK — Alex Eala made a confident and composed entrance into the 2026 US Open on Tuesday night, defeating American qualifier Mary Stoiana, 6–1, 6–2, in her Round 2 debut at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Eala, ranked World No. 18, received a first‑round bye and opened her campaign with a performance that balanced patience, precision, and poise.
Persistent rainfall drenched the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center throughout the day, forcing delays across the grounds. But Armstrong’s retractable roof ensured dry conditions inside, allowing Eala’s match to begin late and conclude at 11:12 p.m. EDT, exactly 78 minutes after first ball.
Stoiana, ranked World No. 122, entered the match with momentum after a gritty first‑round win. A former NCAA No. 1 from Texas A&M, she is known for her counterpunching and defensive grit. But Eala’s pace and tactical clarity proved too much under the lights.
Eala’s Fast Start Sets the Tone
Eala opened the match with immediate authority, breaking Stoiana twice to race ahead 5–0. Her forehand—flat, deep, and unrelenting—kept Stoiana pinned behind the baseline. Eala won 84% of her first‑serve points in the opening set, giving the American few chances to counter.
Stoiana managed to hold once, but Eala closed the set 6–1 with a clean backhand down the line that drew loud cheers from the Filipino crowd.
“Every exchange had its own challenges… She put me in uncomfortable positions,” Eala said in her verified post‑match press conference, acknowledging Stoiana’s attempts to disrupt her rhythm.
Stoiana Pushes Back, but Eala Holds Firm
Stoiana entered the second set with renewed determination, earning two early break‑point chances. Her strength—absorbing pace and redirecting with depth—momentarily troubled Eala, who produced a few short balls during a tense third game.
But Eala’s composure held. She saved both break points with heavy first serves, then immediately broke Stoiana in the fifth game. From there, the Filipino star tightened her patterns, mixing in higher‑margin topspin and well‑timed net approaches.
Stoiana’s weakness became more apparent: her second serve, which dipped below 40% points won. Eala attacked it relentlessly, stepping inside the baseline and finishing points quickly.
Eala sealed the match 6–2 with a forehand cross‑court winner, prompting a roar from the crowd.
Filipino Fans Bring Late‑Night Energy
Despite the rain and the late start, the match drew a large Filipino turnout, estimated at over 400 spectators. Many waved flags, wore blue‑and‑red shirts, and chanted “Alex! Alex!” throughout the night.
“She brings an amazing crowd, even for practice,” Naomi Osaka said earlier this week, referring to Eala’s rapidly growing fanbase.
As Eala exited the court, dozens of fans lined the walkway, shouting “Mabuhay!” and “Proud of you!” She paused to sign flags and take photos, smiling widely.
Next Opponent: A Tougher Test Ahead
Eala now advances to face Oleksandra Oliynykova, the World No. 46 who defeated Reese Brantmeier earlier in the day. Oliynykova’s heavy topspin and physical baseline style present a different challenge—one that will test Eala’s patience and shot tolerance.
Tournament officials confirmed the match is scheduled for Thursday.
