Alex Eala Breaks Silence on Special Treatment Question at US Open

Women’s tennis player, Alex Eala issued a clear response to a controversial question about “special treatment” met to her after she powered her way to the third round of the US Open 2026. The current world number 18 player sent packing the 46th-ranked Oleksandra Oliynykova 6-1, 6-4 in her second round match at the Flushing Meadows on Thursday.

Earlier, the young Filipino, Eala had crushed Mary Stoina 6-1, 6-2 in her opening round match, and so far she has played both her first two round matches on the Louis Armstrong Stadium court. The iconic Louis Armstrong Stadium has a crowd capacity of 14,000 spectators, making it the second biggest court at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

A crowd favourite, the 21-year-old player has received huge support from the crowd and her fans from the Philippines at the US Open, just as she has received at many other tournaments wherever she has played around the world. After her victory over Oliynykova, in a press conference, Eala was asked if she had been given a ‘special treatment’ by being scheduled to play at the Louis Armstrong twice in a row.

She replied, “Yeah, so I am grateful to be on Armstrong and to play in such an incredible court,” the Filipina replied. But yeah, I don’t control the scheduling and my job is to be prepared for whatever court they put me in and whoever they put me or whoever I am against.”

The youngster will next face 14th seed and a rising star, Iva Jovic in her third round match, and she spoke highly about the 18-year-old American. She said she is an amazing player. “Young, very talented, and very intelligent, of course. She’s a high-ranked player and very, very accomplished, and I have encountered my fair share of challenges against her this year. But yeah, I mean it is not under my control who I play. All I can do is, you know, give my best and try to do everything that I can to win.”

Jovic had earlier defeated Eala at the French Open 6-2, 6-4 and then again in straight sets 6-2, 6-2 at the Queen’s Club Championships this year. Speaking about her camaraderie with Jovic, Eala said, “I think this, like, sisterhood, and just having friends on tour has helped me so much off the court, on the court.I think the friends that I have, I really admire for what they’ve been through and what they go through.”