She is making history on the court once again.
Despite gloomy weather in several parts of the country, many Filipinos woke up to something light as Filipina tennis star Alex Eala competing in the second round of the 2026 US Open in New York on Friday, September 4 (Manila time).
The 21-year-old played opposite Ukranian netter Oleksandra Oliynykova at Louis Armstrong Stadium. It was a rematch for the two athletes, who previously faced each other at the Internationaux de Strasbourg in May.
Back then, Eala was able to take on a one-set lead before she fell to her much-experienced 25-year-old rival, 6-3, 5-7, 3-6.
Thus, in Friday’s match, Alex brought both her fervor to score a win against Oleksandra, as well as break her own record in 2025. In the previous edition, the world no. 18 ended her journey in the second round of the women’s singles event.
Immediately, the Filipina opened her play strongly, leading by as much as a 4-0 lead against her Ukranian opponent, before the latter broke her. But that was only momentary as Eala was able to close the round almost unscathed.
However, in what could have been a deja vu, a strong challenge was given to her by Oleksandra in the second set. However, this time around, Alex stood firm and emerged on top.
The final scoreline read: 6-1, 6-4, with Alex succeeding in her missions for the day.
In her post-game interview, Alex told that her tactical strategy for today’s match was her “patience and focus,” which were both key to her winning in the game.
Recalling the past interview, she was also asked when she learned that she had the “gift” of representing the beautiful group of people, who are none other than her compatriots.
“Everybody represents something in their own way and I’m Filipino, I proudly represent that. A lot of the crowd today are Filipino and I’m sure they share that sentiment… I’m proud of what I represent,” she added.
Alex is set to face her close friend, Iva Jovic, in the third round, scheduled for Saturday, September 5.
