Sweet revenge

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala exacted vengeance on Oleksandra Oliynykova in straight sets to breeze into the third round of the 2026 US Open early Friday morning, September 4 (Philippine time), at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.

The Filipina history-maker, seeded no.17 in her final Grand Slam tournament of the year, kicked out her former Ukrainian tormentor, 6-1, 6-4, in another gutsy performance that sent her to the Round of 32.

It was a sweet redemption of sorts for the world no.18 Eala, who lost to Oliynykova, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, in their first meeting at the Strasbourg Open in France last May.

Determined to get even, the 21-year-old Eala raced to a blazing 4-0 start in a dominant first-set showing.

After Oliynykova nailed her first point, Eala  won the next two games to take the opening set.

A tight battle ensued but after a 3-3 deadlock in the second set, Eala chalked up two straight points to reach match point, 5-3.

Oliynykova pulled within 4-5 but the pride of Quezon City charged back with savvy to seal the win.

“I think my patience and consistency of my focus, that was the key to winning the match today,” said Eala, who will next face Iva Jovic for a place in the last 16.

Jovic advanced after eliminating Francesca Jones of England, 6-4, 6-4.