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Alex Eala shows promise before losing steam, bows to world No. 2 Rybakina

Sports

Alex Eala shows promise before losing steam, bows to world No. 2 Rybakina

By Mark Rey Montejo

At A Glance

Alex Eala displayed promise and composure before ultimately yielding to world No. 2 and two-time Grand Slam champion Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, 4-6, 3-6, in the third round of the WTA 1000 Italian Open in Rome Sunday, May 10.

Philippines' Alexandra Eala reacts as she plays Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina, during their match at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Philippines' Alexandra Eala reacts as she plays Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina, during their match at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Alex Eala displayed promise and composure before ultimately yielding to world No. 2 and two-time Grand Slam champion Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, 4-6, 3-6, in the third round of the WTA 1000 Italian Open in Rome Sunday, May 10.

Eala, 20, went back-and-forth against Rybakina, who controlled the match even after some great stretches shown by the Filipina ace.

With her victory, Rybakina, the 2023 champion, is advancing to the Round of 16 where she faces former world No. 1 Czech Karolina Pliskova.

It was a commendable showing for the Filipina netter, who is currently No. 42 in the WTA rankings, after some disappointing finishes recently.

Prior to her exit, Eala got the better of Polish veteran Magdalena Frech, 6-0, 3-6, 6-4, in the opening round then followed it up with a victory over Chinese Xinyu Wang with 6-4, 6-3 decision in Round of 64.

Eala now gears up for the doubles event where she teams up with American Hailey Baptiste as they take on No. 1 seed duo in Czech Kateřina Siniaková and USA's Taylor Townsend.

This would be her final shot at glory on Italian soil before returning in this year’s French Open slated May 24 to June 7 in France.

Related Tags

ALEX EALA Elena Rybakina Italian Open

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