Alexandra Eala Storms Into US Open Third Round After Dominant New York Win
World No. 18 Alexandra Eala defeated Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova 6-1, 6-4 at Louis Armstrong Stadium on Thursday to advance to the third round of the US Open. Thousands of Filipino fans packed the New York arena as the 21-year-old left-hander completed the straight-sets victory in one hour.
First-Set Dominance Sets Up Clash With Jovic or Jones
Eala gained early control of the second-round match, sweeping the first four games of the opening set while registering 11 winners. Oliynykova, who defeated Eala earlier this season in Strasbourg, forced a tighter contest in the second set as the players exchanged service breaks before Eala closed out the match on serve.
“My patience and the consistency of my focus – I think that was the key to winning the match today,” Eala said.
The victory advances the highest-ranked player in Philippine tennis history into a third-round match against the winner between American Iva Jovic and Briton Francesca Jones. Eala opened her campaign on Tuesday after defeating American qualifier Mary Stoiana 6-1, 6-2.
“I think we all represent something. I’m proud of what I represent,” Eala added.
The victory continues a landmark season that includes Eala’s maiden WTA title in Washington last month and a fourth-round run at Wimbledon, returning to the court where she previously won the US Open junior singles championship in 2022.
