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Alex Eala stumbles in qualifying round of Miami Open

Sports

Alex Eala stumbles in qualifying round of Miami Open

By Kristel Satumbaga-Villar

Alex Eala

Alex Eala faltered in her first Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament after bowing out in the first round qualifying of the 2021 Miami Open early Tuesday, March 23 (Manila time).

Eala, 15, showed grit in the opening set, only to lose steam in the next two to yield to Slovakia’s Viktoria Kuzmova, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, at the Hard Rock Stadium.

The match lasted two hours and 21 minutes, with the 22-year-old Kuzmova banking on her service game with seven aces.

A win for Eala could have set her up a match against Mexico’s Renata Zarazua for a spot in the main draw.

Despite the defeat, the Filipina teen sensation showed promise as she looks forward to more competitive matches in the future.

Eala earned a wildcard berth in the qualifying round of the elite tournament – her biggest competition so far after competing in $15,000 and $25,000 International Tennis Federation events.

The tournament is categorized as WTA1000 and is a Premier Mandatory event in the WTA Tour.

Serena Williams won eight titles in the tournament, including her last in 2015, while other previous champions were Ashleigh Barty (2019), Sloane Stephens (2018), Johanna Konta (2017), and Victoria Azarenka (2011, 2016).

Related Tags

Alex Eala Miami Open Viktoria Kuzmova

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