MANILA — Alexandra Eala begins her 2026 US Open campaign against a familiar rival on Wednesday, with the 17th-seeded Filipina drawing American qualifier Mary Stoiana in the opening round in New York.
Eala, who earned a direct berth in the main draw, will enter the matchup carrying a previous victory over the 23-year-old Stoiana as she seeks to advance deeper into another Grand Slam tournament.
The Filipina defeated Stoiana, 7-5, 6-2, when they met at the W100 tournament in Landisville, Pennsylvania, in August 2024.
Stoiana, however, will arrive at Flushing Meadows with momentum after battling past China’s Yuan Yue, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, in the final round of qualifying to secure her first Grand Slam singles main draw appearance.
The world No. 122 also brings an impressive collegiate résumé into her showdown with Eala.
Before turning professional, the Connecticut native emerged as one of the leading players in American collegiate tennis, helping Texas A&M capture its first NCAA women’s team championship in 2024 while earning tournament Most Valuable Player honors.
Stoiana was also named ITA National Player of the Year that season and became a two-time SEC Player of the Year.
She compiled a 138-20 singles record during her collegiate career before moving into the professional ranks, where she has collected three ITF singles titles.
Stoiana captured the Edmond title in 2024 before adding championships in Austin and Chihuahua in 2025.
The American has continued her progress on the professional circuit this year, reaching the semifinals of WTA 125 tournaments in Midland and Ilkley. She also competed in the qualifying draw in Cincinnati.
Eala, meanwhile, will try to capitalize on her status as the No. 17 seed as she continues her rise on the international stage.
A victory over Stoiana would send the Filipina into a second-round matchup against either Ukrainian Yuliia Starodubtseva or American wildcard Reese Brantmeier.
The draw could become considerably tougher from there, with No. 14 seed Iva Jovic looming as a possible third-round opponent.
Fourth-seeded American Coco Gauff could await Eala in the fourth round should both players advance that far./PN
