Alex Eala steps into her US Open main draw match carrying the weight of expectations after what has been a breakout season so far. And, on hard courts especially, where the 2026 US Open is played, her ability to dictate play from the baseline should give her at least a fighting chance against anyone. First on the docket is American qualifier Mary Stoiana, whom Eala has history with.
Who Is Mary Stoiana?
Unlike Alex Eala’s Mary Stoiana’s path to this match has been a slower burn. The 23-year-old American, ranked a career-high No. 122, built her reputation almost entirely in college tennis, where she became one of the most decorated players in Texas A&M history—leading the Aggies to their first NCAA Division I title in 2024, earning ITA National Player of the Year and SEC Player of the Year honors, and reaching No. 1 in the national college singles rankings.
Since turning pro, she’s picked up three ITF singles titles and qualified for her first Grand Slam main draw at this very US Open, beating Harmony Tan, Katie Swan, and Yue Yuan along the way. Her game is built on consistency rather than firepower—a compact baseliner who grinds out points, moves exceptionally well for her size, and rarely hands over free points on serve. She’s still climbing the rankings and hasn’t yet piled up wins over top-50 players, but her college-honed toughness makes her a genuinely awkward out.
Head-to-Head and the Matchup
Eala leads their only previous meeting 1-0, having beaten Stoiana 7-5, 6-2 on hard courts at the 2024 W100 Landisville. The Filipina ace, then just 19, controlled that match through stronger serve points won and superior break-point conversion. That precedent, combined with Eala’s higher ranking, greater power, and hard-court comfort, makes her the clear favorite heading into this one.
Stoiana’s best path forward is neutralizing that pace—extending rallies, absorbing Eala’s aggression, and forcing errors through sheer consistency. It’s a style that can make life uncomfortable for a bigger hitter, but Eala’s track record suggests she has the tools to break through it regardless.
Alex Eala Next Match
Tournament: US Open
Event: Women’s Singles Main Draw Round 1
Match: Alex Eala vs. Mary Stoiana
Date: August 31, 2026 (Monday)
Time: TBD
