Alex Eala yields to Romanian foe in first round of Miami Open
Published Mar 22, 2023 03:24 am
Alex Eala gave Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania some anxious moments in the second set before yielding 6-2, 7-5 in the opening round of the Miami Open 2023 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida Monday, March 20 (Tuesday in Manila).
The reigning US Open junior champion Eala showcased her heavy left-handed forehands for a commanding 5-1 second-set lead before Begu displayed her experience by sweeping the last six games and saving five set points en route to the win. A victory for Eala could have set her up a second-round duel with 23rd seed Zheng Qinwen of China, who earned an opening-round bye. This was the first time that Eala, 17, was playing an opponent inside the Top 50 with the 32-year-old Begu currently being ranked No. 34 in the Women’s Tennis Association. The Romanian was also a Grand Slam regular and a two-time Olympian. This was also the second time that Eala has played in the main draw of the tournament, having also earned a wildcard entry last year. She, however, lost her first match to American Madison Brengle.
*Alex Eala plays her first Top 50 opponent in the first round of the Miami Open. (File Photo/Alex Eala's Facebook page)
*The reigning US Open junior champion Eala showcased her heavy left-handed forehands for a commanding 5-1 second-set lead before Begu displayed her experience by sweeping the last six games and saving five set points en route to the win. A victory for Eala could have set her up a second-round duel with 23rd seed Zheng Qinwen of China, who earned an opening-round bye. This was the first time that Eala, 17, was playing an opponent inside the Top 50 with the 32-year-old Begu currently being ranked No. 34 in the Women’s Tennis Association. The Romanian was also a Grand Slam regular and a two-time Olympian. This was also the second time that Eala has played in the main draw of the tournament, having also earned a wildcard entry last year. She, however, lost her first match to American Madison Brengle.