Alex Eala edges closer to US Open main draw as a pro

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Kicking off her first US Open campaign as a pro, Filipina tennis star Alex Eala secured two determined victories in the tournament’s qualifying round on Wednesday and Thursday morning (Manila time).

Fresh off consecutive quarter final finishes in recent US tournaments the past few weeks, the Rafa Nadal Academy scholar displayed her resilience by overcoming Australia’s Maddison Inglis in a three-set duel, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1.

The 19-year-old took full advantage of Inglis’ service struggles, as the Australian committed 10 double faults, a factor that proved crucial in Eala’s win.

Inglis, a player with a career-high singles ranking of world No. 112, achieved in March 2020, has eight singles titles and six doubles titles on the ITF Women’s Circuit. However, her experience wasn’t enough to fend off Eala’s determined play.

With this victory, the young tennis prodigy advanced to the second round of qualifiers, where she faced the 15th-seed, Nuria Parrizas-Diaz 7-5, 7-5. Eala is now just a win away from securing her place in the main draw of the US Open, a milestone she has yet to reach in her professional career.

The official US Open Instagram account celebrated Eala’s progress, posting a video of her win against Inglis with the caption, “One step closer.”

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Eala’s journey through the Grand Slam qualifiers this year has seen her come very close to the main draw, reaching the third round of qualifiers at both the French Open and Wimbledon.

As she readies herself for the upcoming challenge, Eala shared her excitement on Instagram, posting a photo from Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, New York, with the caption, “So excited for my first Professional US Open.”

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A post shared by Alexandra Eala (@alex.eala)

This tournament holds special significance for Eala, who, two years ago, made history by becoming the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam singles title in the girls’ division. Now, she’s eager to leave her mark on the senior stage and continue her rise in the world of professional tennis.

“Minsan-minsan lang ako naglalaro sa ganitong klaseng atmosphere. Napakaswerte ko na naranasan ang suporta ng mga Pinoy dito sa New York. Maraming salamat mga kababayan,” she wrote.

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