By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Alex Eala led 5-1 in the second set but uncharacteristically froze that led to her heartbreaking 6-2, 7-5 defeat to Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania in the opening round of the Miami Open 2023 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida Monday, March 20 (Tuesday in Manila).
The reigning US Open junior champion Eala looked set to extend their match to a deciding third frame after coming through with some beautiful shots of her own.
But the Romanian found her second wind and rallied furiously to dismantle the PH princess.
A victory for Eala could have set her up a second-round duel with 23rd seed Zheng Qinwen of China, who earned an opening-round bye.
This was the first time that Eala, 17, was playing an opponent inside the Top 50 with the 32-year-old Begu currently being ranked No. 34 in the Women’s Tennis Association. The Romanian was also a regular fixture at Grand Slam events and a two-time Olympian.
This was also the second time that Eala has played in the main draw of the tournament, having also earned a wildcard entry last year.
She, however, lost her first match to American Madison Brengle.
