Filipino tennis star Alex Eala looks to continue her impressive 2026 campaign as she returns to the US Open, carrying strong momentum from a breakthrough season.
The 20-year-old will face American qualifier Mary Stoiana in the first round at Louis Armstrong Stadium on September 2 at 8:40 a.m. Philippine time.
Eala enters the tournament as the No. 17 seed and world No. 18 after capturing her first WTA singles title in Washington and making a run to the Round of 16 at Wimbledon.
The US Open also holds a special place in Eala’s career.
In 2025, she secured her first Grand Slam main-draw victory at Flushing Meadows after defeating Denmark’s Clara Tauson.
Meanwhile, Stoiana is set to make her US Open main-draw debut after advancing through the qualifying rounds.
Should Eala advance, she will face the winner of the second-round matchup between Oleksandra Oliynykova and wildcard Reese Brantmeier.
With her confidence at an all-time high, Eala will look to turn her recent breakthrough performances into another deep run on the Grand Slam stage.
(Photo Courtesy: Getty Images via AFP)
