Alex Eala opens her 2026 US Open campaign vs Mary Stoiana of the United States in the first round of action in New York.
Playing before a predominantly Filipino crowd against an American in the US Open, Alex Eala didn’t disappoint after dispatching Mary Stoiana, 6-1, 6-2, at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York on Wednesday (Manila time).
Eala, seeded 17th in the final Grand Slam of the season, needed to dig deeper in the second set, battling back from a 2-1 deficit to fend off the promising Stoiana.
‘It was very difficult. Every exchange has its own challenges, especially the start of the second set; she put me in uncomfortable situations,’ Eala said during the post-match interview amid loud celebrations from her supporters.
‘She’s been having a great run coming from quali and a good past couple of weeks, so I’m really happy with this match.’
FINAL: Alex Eala dispatches American qualifier Mary Stoiana, 6-1, 6-2, to advance to the US Open 2nd round.
Stoiana wide. Eala match point
Stoiana brilliant shotmaking, break point, 40-30
Eala 30-30
Eala double fault, trails 30-0
Eala serving for the match
Stoiana net. Eala on the verge of victory, 5-2
Stoiana double fault. Eala advantage
Eala break point, 40-30
Eala forehand winner, 30-15
Eala return special, 15-15
Eala three straight points for a 4-2 lead
Eala service winner, 30-30
Stoiana scores on an overhead, 15-0
Stoiana with 21 unforced errors to Eala’s 13
Stoiana wide. Eala breaks to gain the upper hand, 3-2
Eala break point, 40-15
Stoiana double fault. Eala 30-15
Eala holds to level, 2-2
Stoiana wins the rally, break point, 40-30
Eala backhand cross court winner, 15-0
Stoiana fighting back, takes a 2-1 lead.
Stoiana advantage
Eala hits the net. Stoiana 30-15
Eala comes back from 15-40 down to hold, 1-1
Eala crushes a forehand down the line, advantage
Eala service winner, deuce
Stoiana long. Eala 30-40
Eala double fault. Stoiana break point, 40-15
Stoiana holds to love to open the 2nd set, 1-0