Fresh off her historic WTA 500 title, Alex Eala brings her winning momentum to New York as she begins her 2026 US Open campaign with a dominant first-round victory.
Yesterday, Alex Eala officially began her bid for the 2026 US Open. Coming off her historic WTA 500 title at the Mubadala DC Open in August, the Filipina tennis star arrives in New York with plenty of momentum, and an even bigger opportunity ahead of her. After making history with her breakthrough title, Eala now sets her sights on an entirely different level of competition: a Grand Slam. The US Open is one of tennis’ four biggest tournaments, and a deep run—or perhaps even a title—would mark another monumental chapter in what has already been a career-defining year for the 21-year-old.
READ ALSO: Who Is The Filipino Designer Behind Alex Eala’s New York Street Style?
How Is Alex Eala Doing So Far At The US Open?
Before the fiery competition officially began, Alex Eala first had a little fun on the court. The Filipina tennis star teamed up with her good friend and fellow tennis pro Iva Jovic for a lighthearted exhibition match—only this time, they brought their dads along for the fun. The two played doubles alongside their fathers, offering a wholesome and playful moment before the intensity of the US Open officially got underway.
But once it was time for the real competition to begin, Eala quickly switched gears. Just like poetry in motion, Eala delivered a commanding performance in her opening match against American tennis pro Mary Stoiana. The Filipina star swept her opponent in straight sets, 6–1, 6–2, making quick work of her first US Open challenge.
From the opening serve, Eala appeared firmly in control of the match, showcasing the confident and aggressive game that has made her one of the sport’s most exciting rising stars. She won an impressive 78% of points on her first serve while also putting Stoiana under constant pressure, finishing the match with 23 receiving points won. The decisive victory gave Eala the perfect start to her US Open campaign—and, more importantly, continued the momentum from her historic WTA 500 title in Washington just weeks earlier.
Hopeful Success For The Next Rounds
Following her first-round victory, Eala will look to carry that momentum into the next stage of the tournament as she faces Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova, currently ranked World No. 46. With both players hoping to advance deeper into the draw, the upcoming match presents another important test for the Filipina tennis star.
Fresh off a dominant opening performance, Eala will undoubtedly be hoping to build on her strong start and continue the momentum she has carried throughout an already career-defining season. As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on whether she can keep her US Open campaign alive and inch closer to another historic milestone.
Photography by Owen Reynoldson, courtesy of Alex Eala
Frequently Asked Questions
Alex Eala started her 2026 US Open campaign with a dominant first-round victory over American tennis player Mary Stoiana, winning in straight sets, 6–1, 6–2.
Alex Eala defeated American tennis pro Mary Stoiana in the first round of the 2026 US Open.
Alex Eala won her opening match against Mary Stoiana with a score of 6–1, 6–2.
Following her first-round victory, Alex Eala is set to face Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova, who is currently ranked World No. 46.
Before the 2026 US Open, Alex Eala won her historic WTA 500 title at the Mubadala DC Open in August 2026.
