Filipina tennis star Alexandra ‘Alex’ Eala has barged into the quarterfinals of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 250 Prudential Hong Kong Open after overpowering the spirited challenge of teen rival Tereza Valentova of Czechia in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (9-7).
The tournament’s Number 2 seed needed to use all her skills and determination to score the win over Valentova who had previously defeated her in their first two matchups.
This is Eala’s first win over the 17-year-old Czech. Valentova had won both their previous encounters in straight sets—in the first round in Osaka last year and at the same stage in Doha this year.
This is also Eala’s first career tour-level win over a Czech opponent in 11 attempts. She had lost all 10 previous matches, including four this season to Linda Noskova in Indian Wells and Berlin and Karolina Muchova in Miami.
Eala made a strong start, breaking early to race to a 3-0 lead before Valentova fought back to level the opening set at 4-4. Eala saved three break points in a crucial ninth game before breaking her opponent at love to claim the set, 6-4.
In the second set, the Czech teener struck first, breaking to take a 4-2 lead, but Eala battled back to level the score at 5-5 and force a tiebreak.
Eala then raced to a 5-0 lead in the tiebreak before Valentova mounted another comeback, saving three match points. However, the Filipino held her nerve to complete the victory in one hour and 54 minutes.
The country’s pride will now face Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic in today’s round of eight. This will be the first meeting between the two players.
