Eala’s US Open Return Begins September 2

Alex Eala opens her 2026 US Open campaign against American qualifier Mary Stoiana on September 2, Philippine time, in the Round of 128. Eala is seeded No. 17, her highest-ever seeding at a Grand Slam, and will meet Stoiana, the world No. 122, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows.

This is Eala’s second main draw appearance at the tournament, after reaching the second round last year. She now sits at a career-high world No. 18 following an impressive North American hard-court summer, having won eight of her last 10 matches, captured her maiden WTA Tour title at the WTA 500 in Washington DC, and reached the fourth round in Toronto and third round in Cincinnati.

The Opponent

Stoiana is not yet a household name in tennis. The 23-year-old played college tennis at Texas A&M and was named SEC Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024. She reached the main draw by winning three straight qualifying matches, beating Harmony Tan of France and Katie Swan of Great Britain before closing out China’s Yue Yuan 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. It is her first Grand Slam main draw appearance.

Beyond Round One

Eala arrives in New York fresh off making history for the Philippines, appearing on the covers of both Sports Illustrated and Forbes. If she gets past Stoiana, her path could include a third round meeting with close friend and rival Iva Jovic, and a potential fourth round clash with two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff, who arrives red hot after winning the Cincinnati Open.

Last year at this same tournament, Eala made her own kind of history. She became the first Filipino woman to win a main draw match at a Grand Slam, rallying from 1-5 down in the third set to upset 14th seed Clara Tauson. “To be Filipino is something I take so much pride in,” she said after that win.

She heads into this year’s tournament with a higher seed and a longer resume than she had twelve months ago.