By NIKOLE JAVIER
In a week’s time, Alex Eala is back in the semifinal round, this time, in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) W25 Aldershot GB Pro Series.
Her new-found confidence in full display, Eala dominated American Jenna Defalco, 6-1, 6-2, on Friday, Aug. 18 (Manila time) in Great Britain to secure a berth in the Final Four for the second straight week.
The Filipina tennis star is looking to post his back-to-back titles this year after winning the W25 Roehampton last week.
As if she had an important person to talk with, Eala rushed to a commanding 5-1 lead as she rattled her American rival with pin-point shots – left and right – before wrapping up the opening set with a booming ace.
In the second set, the American took the first game but the Filipina managed to immediately level it at 1-1 en route to a similar 5-1 lead.
Despite Defalco’s attempt for a fightback, Eala remained poised, coming through with much stronger shots to seal the deal.
The 18-year-old Filipina will next face local bet Katy Dunne on Saturday, Aug. 19 (Manila time).
