By MARK REY MONTEJO
Alex Eala was looking for a first-ever semis appearance in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) event against the very same player she stunned only last March.
The former world No. 5 Sara Errani of Italy, however, came fully prepared this time on the grass court and pulled off a vengeful 6-0, 7-6 (7-3) win over the Filipina ace in the quarterfinal round of the Veneto Open in Gaiba, Italy Saturday, June 22 (Manila time).
Unlike in her 6-3, 6-1 defeat to Eala in the qualifying round of the Miami Open, Errani was able to demonstrate the brilliance and tenacity that won for her five Grand Slam doubles titles by taking the opening set convincingly.
The victory set up Errani a semifinal clash with Croatian-Canadian Bernarda Pera. On the other hand, Swiss Susan Bandecchi and American Alycia Parks battle for another final berth.
Despite being blanked in the first set, Eala suddenly found her rhythm and traded strokes that packed power to the delight of the crowd especially to the Filipina’s supporters.
But at crunch time, Eala misfired several of her shots, allowing Errani to seize the momentum and prevail.
Still, it was a week to remember for Eala after a rousing win over French Carole Monnet, 6-3, 7-5, in the opening round. She followed it up with a 6-3, 6-3 win over crowd favorite Giorgia Pedone to earn a quarters ticket.
Eala is set to compete in the qualifying round of the 2024 Wimbledon next week.
