Alex Eala marched on to the third round of the US Open 2026 after turning back Oleksandra Oliynykova of Ukraine, 6-1, 6-4 on Friday at Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York.
Eala built on her blazing start to withstand Oliynykova’s comeback in the second set and surpass her breakthrough second-round finish at Flushing Meadows last year.
‘I think my patience and the consistency of my focus. I think that was the key to winning the match today,’ Eala said in the on-court interview.
She faces either Iva Jovic or Francesca Jones in the Round of 32.
Eala, the world No. 18, won the first eight points to race to a 2-0 lead before building a 4-0 advantage and wrapping up the set, 6-1, in just 23 minutes.
FINAL: Alex Eala turns back Oleksandra Oliynykova, 6-1, 6-4 to advance to the third round of the US Open!
Alex Eala now at match point! 40-15.
Alex Eala now serves for the match.
Oliynykova, though, answers with a hold. She’s still down 5-4.
Alex Eala looking to break for the match.
Alex Eala wins back to back games for a 5-3 edge in the second set.
Looking to consolidate the break, Alex Eala up 40-0 on serve.
Alex Eala also responds with a break to regain the lead, 4-3, in the second set.
Oliynykova breaks back and ties the second set at 3-3.
Alex Eala with a couple of errors as Oliynykova takes a 40-15 lead in the sixth game.
Alex Eala now leads 3-2.
Oliynykova double faults, handing Alex Eala the first break of the second set.
Alex Eala at break point.
Alex Eala forces a deuce.
Neck and neck here in the fifth game and Oliynykova takes the advantage, 40-30.
Another love service game for Alex Eala to tie the second set, 2-2.
40-0 lead for Alex Eala.
Lefty angle shot from Alex Eala to open the fourth game.
Oliynykova with a much steadier showing in the second set. She retakes the lead, 2-1.
30-0 lead for Oliynykova in the third game after Eala’s hit sails out.
Alex Eala with a love hold! She ties the second set at 1-1.
Alex Eala up 40-0 on serve in the second game.
Oliynykova holds to take a 1-0 lead in the second set.
Oliynykova back to back points to take advantage.
Alex Eala reaches break point with another winner.
Oliynykova leads 40-30 on serve, but Eala forces a deuce.
Second set underway. Oliynykova serving first.