Alex Eala beats Oleksandra Oliynykova to reach US Open third round

Alexandra “Alex” Eala defeated Oleksandra Oliynykova, 6-1, 6-4, in the US Open Round of 64 on Thursday (early Friday, Philippine time) to advance to the third round of the American Grand Slam.

With the win, Eala has already surpassed her historic run last year, advancing to the Round of 32 this year.

She also exacted revenge against Oliynykova, who defeated her in Strasbourg last May.

Eala raced to a 4-0 lead in the first set before Oliynykova got on the board. Eala regained her footing, however, and won the next two games to take the opening set.

Oliynykova found her rhythm early in the second set, winning the first game before she and Eala traded games to level the score at 3-3. Eala then pulled away, taking a 5-3 lead before Oliynykova trimmed the deficit. Eala eventually claimed the next game to seal the win in just an hour and four minutes.

“I think my patience and the consistency of my focus... I think that was the key to winning the match today,” Eala said of her victory.

HIGHLIGHTS | Alex Eala vs Oleksandra Oliynykova

Eala will now await the winner of the match between her friends Iva Jovic and Francesca Jones to determine her next opponent.

—JKC, GMA News