Eala dominates American qualifier, eases into US Open second round

CEBU, Philippines — Filipina tennis star Alex Eala thrashed Maria Stoiana in straight sets to reach the second round of 2026 US Open on Wednesday, September 2 (Philippine time) at the Louis Armstrong Stadium inside the USTA Billie Jean King National

Tennis Center in New York City.

The world No.18 Eala blasted the 23-year-old American qualifier, 6-1, 6-2, in a masterful performance before a large throng of Pinoy fans who fervently cheered for her on the sidelines.

After a rousing 6-1 start, Eala battled back from a 1-2 deficit in the second set with finesse, winning five games in a row to finish off Stoiana, a former NCAA Most Valuable Player who competed in a Grand Slam main draw for the first time in her pro career.

“Of course, it was a very difficult match. Every exchange has its own challenges, especially at the start of the second set. I think she put me in uncomfortable positions,” said Eala after the match.

“She’s been having a great run coming from qualifying and a good past couple of weeks, so I’m really happy with this match,” she added.

The 21-year-old Eala next faces her former tormentor Oleksandra Oliynykova of Ukraine, who advanced after beating American wild card Reese Brantmeier, 6-4, 6-4.

Eala, seeded No.17 in her final Grand Slam event this season, will try to exact revenge on the world No.46 Oliynykova, who defeated her 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 in their previous meeting at the Strasbourg Open in France four months ago.

In last year’s US Open, the then ranked No. 70 Eala opened her campaign with a stunning upset of No. 14 seed Clara Tauson of Denmark in a three-set thriller, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(11) but crashed out of the second round after losing to Spain’s Cristina Buc?a in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3.