Alexandra Eala continued her breakthrough run at the US Open with a convincing straight-sets victory over Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova to reach the third round.
The 21-year-old Filipino, ranked 18th in the world, produced a composed performance to beat Oliynykova 6-1, 6-4 at Louis Armstrong Stadium on Thursday.
The victory was particularly satisfying for Eala after she had lost to the Ukrainian earlier this year in Strasbourg. This time, however, Eala quickly took control and needed just over an hour to secure her place in the last 32.
Eala made a flying start, winning the first four games and dominating from the baseline. She hit 11 winners in the opening set while limiting Oliynykova to none as she wrapped up the opener 6-1.
The second set was more competitive, with both players trading breaks. Eala eventually found another gear in the seventh game, breaking from the baseline before closing out the match with an unreturnable serve.
"I think my patience and the consistency of my focus were the key to winning the match today," Eala said.
She also received strong support from the crowd, with many Filipino fans waving national flags and holding signs in Tagalog. Her family was also among those watching from the stands.
Eala has rapidly become one of the Philippines' biggest tennis stars. She arrived in New York after a breakthrough victory in Washington last month and is continuing to build on an impressive season that also saw her reach the fourth round at Wimbledon.
The Filipino believes those experiences have helped her become a more complete and confident player.
"I do feel like a more well-rounded player now and more mature," she said, adding that competing at the highest level has given her greater knowledge of what she can achieve.
Eala's progress has also been reflected in the rankings. She ended 2025 ranked 50th in the world but entered this year's US Open at a career-high No. 18.
After reaching the second round in New York last year, she has now gone one step further and will have the chance to advance to the fourth round for the first time.
Eala will face either American Iva Jovic or Britain's Francesca Jones in the third round.
With her confidence growing and the support of a passionate Filipino crowd behind her, Eala's US Open journey is becoming another major milestone in her rapid rise on the WTA Tour.
