Tennis – Madrid Open – Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain – April 24, 2025 Philippines’ Alexandra Eala reacts during her round of 64 match against Poland’s Iga Swiatek REUTERS/Juan Medina
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala had a rousing main draw debut at the Lexus Eastbourne Open after dominating Lucia Bronzetti of Italy, 6-0, 6-1, in the Round of 32 on Monday night (Manila time).
Carrying the momentum from her two consecutive qualifier wins, the 20-year-old Eala blanked Bronzetti in the opening set to reach the second round of the WTA 250 event.
READ: Alex Eala advances to Eastbourne Open main draw
The Filipino tennis sensation was forced by the world No. 59 netter to 1-1 in the second but the former continued to wax hot and bag the last five games.
Eala will compete in the Round of 16 on Wednesday.
Alex Eala eked out a strong third set to outlast American Hailey Baptiste, 6(1)-7, 7-6(4), 6-1, and advance to the main draw on Sunday.
READ: Alex Eala set for Wimbledon stint
She took down Zeynep Sonmez of Turkey, 6-1, 6-3 in her first qualifier game.
Eala is bracing for Wimbledon next week, her second Women’s Grand Slam tournament this year.
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