By NIKOLE JAVIER
Alex Eala outlasted Kristine Dmitruk of Belarus, 6-2, 7-5, to barge into the main draw of the Thailand Open on Sunday, Jan. 29, at the True Arena in Hua Hin.
The reigning US Open Girls champion started on right footing, similar to her first-round win against Chinese foe Xinyu Han the day prior and gained an early 6-2 advantage to keep herself cushioned going into the next set.
However, the ninth-seeded Dmitruk got over her scrappy start and eased into the second set after surging into a 5-4 lead and even looked poised to force the decider.
But right before the Belarusian could completely blindside the 17-year-old Filipina, Eala tied the score at 5-all and broke Dmirtuk's serve for the 6-5 lead and ultimately complete her victory after one hour and 19 minutes.
With the victory, Eala has arranged a first-round main draw meeting with sixth seed Tatjana Maria of Germany.
The 35-year-old Maria is currently ranked 71st in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and boasts of a semifinal finish at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.