WASHINGTON DC - Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is through to the second round of the Mubadala DC Open after overcoming China's Zheng Qinwen, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1
Eala had to grind out a come from behind win against Zheng, the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist who received a wildcard into the tournament.
Alex Eala came out strong, racing to a 2-0 lead after an early service break. But former world number 4, Zheng quickly settled in, leveling at 2-all before taking control with a break for a 3-2 advantage.
Zheng won five of the final six games after trailing early, closing out the opening set 6-4.
Eala showed her resilience in the second set, fighting off a 0-40 deficit to hold for a 2-1 lead before continuing to match Zheng game for game. After Zheng moved ahead 4-3 with a break, Eala answered with her first break since the second game of the opening set to level at 4-all, igniting the crowd.
Riding that momentum, Eala held serve and broke Zheng once more to claim the second set 6-4, forcing a deciding third set.
In the 3rd set, Eala raced to a 4-0 lead with 2 breaks of Zheng’s serve. Zheng caught a break but Eala held on to take the 3rd set, 6-1
At the post match interview on court, Eala was about how it felt being so popular everywhere she goes,
"No, I think the question should be what it's like to be Filipino. Salamat mga kababayan," she said.
The Filipino crowd at the Mubadala DC Open made their presence felt once again, carrying flags and posters on center court to support the 21-year-old star.
"The community here in DC is amazing. It was a great atmosphere for both players and I'm really happy that I won," she said.
Eala set up a second round showdown against defending champion Leylah Fernandez of Canada.
Their only previous meeting went to the Canadian, who bagged a 6-1, 6-4 win at the Stuttgart Open earlier this year.
Fernandez holds five WTA singles titles and is currently ranked No. 34. Her career-high ranking is No. 13, achieved in August 2022.
She has been in solid form coming into DC to defend her crown, dominating Magda Linette 6-1, 6-4 in the first round.
However, Eala said her focus for now is not on tactics, but recovery.
"I think it's going to be a very tough match for me. Leylah's such an amazing player, amazing person as well," she said. "Right now my first priority is to recover, take care of my body so I can arrive in the best shape possible."
Eala will take on Fernandez at Stadium Court at 11am Wednesday in Washington, 11pm Manila time. - with a report from Dyan Castillejo