By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Alex Eala survived the challenge of Elsa Jacquemot of France, 6-1, 5-7, 6-1, and advanced to the main round of the Jasmin Open Monastir in Tunisia on Sunday, Oct. 15.
The 18-year-old Eala came through with sizzling returns and a series of thunderous double-fisted shots to upset her higher ranked rival and earn herself a shot at a title in this $250,000 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament.
Eala took advantage of Jacquemot’s erratic serves in the first set, before the Frenchwoman found her composure to claim the second frame and extend the match.
But Eala refused to get intimidated, firing away solid shots to clinch the match.
The Filipina teen sensation, however, will have her hands full as she faces second seed Elise Martens of Belgium in her first main draw match.
Martens currently ranks No. 41 in the world and is also a three-time Grand Slam champion in the doubles.
A few months ago, the Belgian made it to the Round of 32 at the US Open, losing to eventual champion American Coco Gauff in three sets.
Eala is banking on her experience at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China a few weeks ago where she won bronze medals in the women’s singles and the mixed doubles.
In the Asian Games, she was able to compete against world No. 23 Zheng Qinwen of China in the semifinals, only to lose in three sets.
