Filipina tennis star Alex Eala continues her historic run at the 2026 US Open, advancing to the third round after dispatching Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4, at Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York.
The 17th-seeded Eala needed just 64 minutes to seal the victory, dominating the opening set before fending off a tougher challenge from Oliynykova in the second.
Eala came out firing, winning the first eight points of the match, while breaking Oliynykova’s serve five times to take firm control of the contest.
The victory also served as a measure of revenge for Eala, who fell to Oliynykova in their previous encounter at the Internationaux de Strasbourg in May.
More significantly, the win marks the first time Eala has reached the third round of the US Open.
She previously made it to the second round during her main-draw debut at the tournament last year.
Eala credited her patience and consistency for helping her secure the victory, while strong support from the Filipino crowd inside Louis Armstrong Stadium added to the momentum.
Philippine flags filled the stands as fans cheered on the 21-year-old Filipina throughout the match.
Eala will next face American 14th seed Iva Jovic, who booked her spot in the third round with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over British qualifier Francesca Jones.
(Photo Courtesy: AFP)
