LOOK: Alex Eala makes her mark before roaring US Open fans
AP Photos
Alex Eala wastes no time making her mark again at the 2026 US Open.
The Filipina tennis star cruised into the second round after dismantling American qualifier Mary Stoiana, 6-1, 6-2, in a commanding opening-round performance at Flushing Meadows.
Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, serves to Mary Stoiana, of the United States, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, reacts during her match against Mary Stoiana, of the United States, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Eala controlled the match from the outset, dictating rallies with aggressive shot-making while keeping unforced errors to a minimum. She needed just two sets to seal the victory, never allowing Stoiana to build any momentum.
Mary Stoiana, of the United States, hits a return to Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
But she admitted that Stoiana put her in difficult situation on court, saying in the press conference that, “Every exchange had its own challenges, especially at the start of the second set. I think she put me in uncomfortable positions.”
Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, hits a return to Mary Stoiana, of the United States, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, reacts during her match against Mary Stoiana, of the United States, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
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In her post-match interview, she expressed gratitude to tennis fans in the Philippines and around the world for their support.
“Thank you everybody for being part of my journey and making it such a pleasure to do my job,” she said.
Fans of Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, take photos as she arrives for her match against Mary Stoiana, of the United States, in the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Fans of Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, spell out “GO ALEX” with letters before her match against Mary Stoiana, of the United States, in the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Fans of Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, cheer during her match against Mary Stoiana, of the United States, in the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Fans of Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, hold up signs during her match against Mary Stoiana, of the United States, in the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Fans cheer for Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, during her match against Mary Stoiana, of the United States, during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
The win sends Eala through to the second round of the year’s final Grand Slam, continuing her impressive rise on the WTA Tour and giving Filipino tennis fans another reason to celebrate.
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Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, acknowledges the crowd after defeating Mary Stoiana, of the United States, in the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
She is now set to play against Oleksandra Oliynykova in the second round.
