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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Alex Eala survives Ukrainian rival, arranges third-round meeting with Coco Gauff in Indian Wells

Alex Eala survives Ukrainian rival, arranges third-round meeting with Coco Gauff in Indian Wells

Published Mar 7, 2026 04:06 pm

At A Glance

  • The 31st seeded Eala, who earned a first-round bye in this WTA1000 event, dug deep in the pivotal third set to reaffirm her mastery over the 2024 Australian Open semifinalist.
Alex Eala advances to the third round in Indian Wells. (File Photo/ AP)
Alex Eala advances to the third round in Indian Wells. (File Photo/ AP)
Alex Eala bucked a second-set hiccup and overcame Dayana Yastremska, 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, to advance to the third round of the Indian Wells in the United States on Saturday, March 7 (Philippine time).
The 31st seeded Eala, who earned a first-round bye in this WTA1000 event, dug deep in the pivotal third set to reaffirm her mastery over the 2024 Australian Open semifinalist.
The victory arranged the 20-year-old Eala a meeting with former doubles partner and fourth seed Coco Gauff, who downed Kamilla Rakhinova, 6-3, 7-5 (5).
This would be Eala and Gauff’s first meeting since their quarterfinals duel at the Dubai Tennis Championships two weeks ago where the American prevailed, 6-0, 6-2.
Eala imposed her will early in the match by taking a 4-3 lead before breaking Yastremska’s serve in the eighth game for 5-3.
The Ukrainian, however, answered back by claiming the next two games to tie it at 5-all, before Eala held her ground in the 11th and 12th game to take the set.
Undeterred, Yastremska grabbed the momentum in the second frame, quickly taking a 4-1 lead en route to forging a deciding set.
Eala and Yastremska held each other’s serves in the third frame before the Ukrainian dropped her serve in the ninth game, allowing the Filipina to seize the advantage.
Eala did not waste time and clinched the next two games for the match win.
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