Alex Eala continued her impressive US Open campaign on Friday, September 4, Philippine time, defeating Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova, 6-1, 6-4, to reach the tournament’s third round.
The No. 17 seed Filipina returned to Louis Armstrong Stadium and produced another commanding performance, using her powerful groundstrokes and consistent play to overcome her unseeded opponent in just over an hour. The official US Open account recorded the match as a 6-1, 6-4 victory for Eala.
The win also gave Eala some redemption after Oliynykova defeated her in their previous encounter at the WTA 500 tournament in Strasbourg, France, in May.
Eala’s latest victory also moved her beyond her second-round finish at last year’s US Open.
Reflecting on her performance, Eala credited her composure and concentration for making the difference.
“I think my patience and consistency of my focus, that was the key to winning the match today,” said Eala in her on-court interview.
Coming off her 6-1, 6-2 opening-round victory over American qualifier Mary Stoiana, Eala again dictated the tempo early and consistently pressured Oliynykova from the baseline.
She quickly established a 4-0 advantage in the opening set. Although Oliynykova managed to break her serve for the fifth game, Eala immediately regained control by taking the next two games to close out the set.
The second set proved more competitive as Oliynykova found ways to challenge Eala’s rhythm. The two players traded holds before the Ukrainian drew level at 3-3.
Eala responded by breaking serve in the following game and maintained the advantage through the finish. She eventually closed out the 64-minute contest to secure her place in the Round of 32.
Eala awaits third-round opponent
Eala’s next opponent will be either 14th seed Iva Jovic of the United States or Britain’s Francesca Jones.
The Filipina said she is leaving the matchup to the outcome of their contest while expressing support for both players.
“Who I play in the next round is definitely out of my control, but they are both great friends of mine, both such amazing people and players, so all I can do is wish them a great match and hope they have fun. I’m sure they will give their all like everyone here,” said Eala.