Alex Eala booked her first semis appearance in the US Open Juniors, and obviously she’s happy about it.
Hopefully, it could be the start of many good things to come for the rising Filipina star.
Fiery with her booming shots and rock-solid on the defensive end, Eala dominated her doubles partner, Russian Mirra Andreeva, 6-4, 6-0, in the quarterfinals of the 2022 US Open Juniors at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center Friday in New York City.
The win pulled Eala to within two wins from claiming her first Grand Slam singles crown.
The 17-year-old Eala is already proud owner of two juniors doubles titles in the majors.
She started slow, falling behind 4-2 in the opening set.
But once she got into her groove, Eala was unstoppable, winning the next four games to prevail. She highlighted her onslaught with two aces.
That smoldering comeback broke the Russian spirit as Eala continued to pile up points to the delight of Filipino crowd.
She also recorded two service aces.
Eala, seeded 10th in the event, will next face No. 9 Victoria Mboko of Canada in the semis.
In advancing to the semis Eala, stunned Australian No. 8 seed Taylah Preston, 6-2, 7-6 (1), on Thursday.
Eala, currently ranked No. 290 in the Women’s Tennis Association, got into the quarters last year. (NIKOLE JAVIER)
