NEW YORK — Alex Eala advanced to the third round of the 2026 US Open after beating Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova, 6-1, 6-4, Friday at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Eala, the world No. 18 and 17th seed, dominated the opening set before holding off a second-set comeback from Oliynykova, the world No. 46.
The Filipino tennis star won the first eight points and quickly built a 4-0 lead before closing out the first set in 23 minutes.
Oliynykova, who defeated Eala on clay at the Strasbourg Open in May, responded with a stronger service game in the second set and took a 2-1 lead.
Eala regained control with a love hold and a break to move ahead 3-2. Oliynykova answered with a break to level the set, but Eala broke again and held at love to take a 5-3 lead.
Oliynykova held to extend the match, but Eala served out the victory.
“I think my patience and the consistency of my focus—I think that was the key to winning the match today,” Eala said in her on-court interview.
Eala will face Iva Jovic in the Round of 32 after the American defeated Francesca Jones, 6-4, 6-4.
The victory marks Eala’s second straight appearance in the third round at Flushing Meadows after she reached the second round last year. She also continues her run at the same venue where she won her first Grand Slam junior title.
