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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Eala downs French foe, advances to main draw round in Tunisia

Eala downs French foe, advances to main draw round in Tunisia

Published Oct 16, 2023 02:17 am

At A Glance

  • Alex Eala survived a strong-serving Elsa Jacquemot of France to prevail, 6-1, 5-7, 6-1, and advance to the main draw round of the Jasmin Open Monastir in Tunisia on Sunday, Oct. 15.

Alex Eala survived a strong-serving Elsa Jacquemot of France to prevail, 6-1, 5-7, 6-1, and advance to the main draw round of the Jasmin Open Monastir in Tunisia on Sunday, Oct. 15.

ALEX EALA 3.jpg
Alex Eala earns a main draw berth in the Jasmin Open Monastir. (File Photo)

The 18-year-old Eala fought back with hard-hitting returns to upset her higher ranked rival and earned herself a shot at a title in this $250,000 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament.

Eala first set the rhythm by taking advantage of Jacquemot’s erratic serves in the first set, before the Frenchwoman found her composure to claim the second frame and extend the match.

But Eala refused to get intimidated, firing away solid shots to clinch the match.

The Filipina teen sensation, however, will have her hands full as she faces second seed Elise Martens of Belgium in her first main draw match.

Martens currently ranks No. 41 in the world, but is also a three-time Grand Slam champion in the doubles.

A few months ago, the Belgian made it to the Round of 32 at the US Open, losing to American Coco Gauff in three sets.

Eala is banking on her experience at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China a few weeks ago where she won bronze medals in the women’s singles and the mixed doubles.

At the Asian Games, she was able to compete against world No. 23 Zheng Qinwen of China in the semifinals, only to lose in three sets.

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