The Filipino star opens her US Open campaign in New York against qualifier Mary Stoiana on Wednesday morning, September 2, 2026 Philippine time. Eala qualified directly for the main draw of the 2026 US Open without needing to go through the qualifying rounds.
She enters the tournament seeded No. 17, which marks the highest seeding a tennis player from the Philippines has ever achieved in Grand Slam history. Her high WTA ranking allowed her to secure this direct main draw entry.
Eala captured her first WTA Tour singles title at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington DC, USA, becoming the first Filipino to win a tour-level singles championship. Her breakthrough run ended with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 victory overJessica Pegula in the final.
Alex Eala’s No. 17 seeding is a remarkable milestone—the highest ever for a Filipino player at a Grand Slam. Facing qualifier Mary Stoiana in her US Open opener, she has a strong opportunity to show why she belongs on tennis’s biggest stage.
Eala entering the 2026 US Open as the No. 17 seed is a remarkable milestone for Philippine tennis. Facing qualifier Mary Stoiana in her opening match, she has a strong opportunity to make this historic campaign count.
Eala’s No. 17 seeding is a historic milestone for Philippine tennis. Facing qualifier Mary Stoiana in New York gives her a strong opportunity to make an impact on the US Open’s biggest stage.
Alex Eala’s No. 17 seeding is a historic milestone for Philippine tennis, and earning a direct place in the US Open main draw makes her opening match against Mary Stoiana especially exciting.
Alex Eala’s No. 17 seeding is a remarkable milestone for Philippine tennis, especially as she returns to the US Open main draw without qualifying. Her opening match against Mary Stoiana should be an exciting test on the sport’s biggest stage.
Alex Eala’s No. 17 seeding is a historic milestone for Philippine tennis. Facing qualifier Mary Stoiana in the opening round, she has a strong opportunity to make her return to the US Open main draw count.
Eala entering the 2026 US Open as the No. 17 seed is a landmark moment for Philippine tennis. Facing qualifier Mary Stoiana in the opening round, she has a strong opportunity to make her highest-seeded Grand Slam appearance count.