Alexandra Eala advanced to the third round of the 2026 US Open after a commanding victory over Oleksandra Oliynykova on Thursday. The Filipino player, seeded 17th, secured a straight-sets win, 6-1, 6-4, in a match that lasted just over an hour at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Dominant Start Sets the Tone for Eala’s Victory
Eala wasted no time asserting her dominance, winning the first nine points consecutively and rapidly building a 4-0 lead. This early surge paved the way for her to close out the first set in just 23 minutes. Despite Oliynykova, ranked No. 46 in the world, finding better form in the second set and briefly taking a 2-1 lead with stronger serving, Eala remained composed.
The Filipino talent responded with a crucial break to regain control at 3-3 and gradually extended her advantage to 5-3. She then held serve to clinch the match and move forward in the tournament, achieving this milestone of reaching the third round at the US Open for the first time in her career.