Filipina tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala secured a hard-fought win over Czech Republic’s Tereza Valentova, 6-4, 7-6(7), to advance to the quarterfinals of the Hong Kong Tennis Open on Thursday.
Eala started strong, taking a 3-0 lead in the opening set before Valentova fought back to tie the score at 4-all. However, the Filipina regained control and won the next two games to take the first set, 6-4.
The second set proved to be a tougher battle as Eala took an early 2-1 lead before Valentova pulled ahead, 5-3.
But Eala refused to give in, winning three straight games to take the lead. Valentova then fought back to force a tiebreak.
Eala quickly took control of the tiebreak, moving ahead 5-0. Valentova answered with four straight points and later saved a match point to keep the match going.
Both players continued to exchange points until the score reached 7-all. Eala then won the next two points to close out the match and secure her spot in the quarterfinals.
“It was really, really tough,” Eala said after the match, praising Valentova’s performance and the level of their match.
“I think I escaped by a little bit,” the Filipina added.
Eala will next face Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic in the quarterfinals as she looks to continue her run in the tournament.
(Photo Courtesy: POC)
