Alex Eala falls short of main draw at WTA Rothesay Open

Alex Eala showcased her potential but ultimately couldn’t maintain her momentum. Photo from The Laterals

Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala’s campaign at the WTA Rothesay Open ended as she fell in the last round of the qualifiers, missing out on a chance to compete in the main draw once again.

In a trend that’s becoming all too familiar, the tennis prodigy from the Rafa Nadal Academy lost in three sets after winning the opening set, marking the third straight WTA event where she has fallen in the final qualifying match under similar circumstances.

The young Filipina showcased her potential but ultimately couldn’t maintain her momentum on Sunday night against Japan’s Ena Shibahara, after clinching the first set in a tiebreak 7-6(5).

Eala displayed resilience and skill to push Shibahara to a tiebreak in the opening set, even after leading 6-5. However, the second set saw her unable to score a single game, as Shibahara leveled the match with a dominant 6-0 performance. In the decisive third set, Eala couldn’t regain her rhythm and succumbed 2-6.

The 19-year-old had notched her first professional win on grass earlier in the tournament but found herself outplayed in the crucial moments. This loss also denied her an exciting opening-round match against 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu.

This defeat followed a near miss at the French Open, where Eala also came close to breaking through. Despite a valiant effort on becoming the first Filipina to reach a Grand Slam main draw, Eala fell to world No. 93 Argentina’s Julia Riera in a close 6-4, 6-7, 4-6 defeat at Roland Garros.

But earlier this year, she also claimed a doubles title at the ITF W50 Pune in India, partnering with singles rival turned doubles partner Darja Semenistaja of Latvia.

Recently, Eala ascended three spots in the world rankings, from world No. 160 to an impressive No. 157. This significant jump marks a new career best for the young prodigy.