Filipino teen prodigy Alex Eala bows out of Australian Open in her first attempt at a Women’s Grand Slam singles event.
After what seems like a dream start for Alex Eala in the Australian Open, the teen prodigy has bowed out of the qualifying round which prematurely ended her aspirations for a chance of the title in her first ever Women’s grand slam singles event.
Eala missed the main draw after Misaki Doi, ranked No.172 in the Women’s Tennis Association, of Japan outlasted the Filipina 6-4, 6(1)-7(7), 3-6, on Monday in Melbourne.
The 17-year-old had the chance to win it at all after cruising through the first set, showing grit and composure, but the former World No. 30 showed her winning experience with a come- from- behind win after two hours and 37 minutes of play, reported CNN Philippines.
The Rafael Nadal Academy scholar had a strong opening set win, even dominating the second set with a 5-2 advantage before the 31-year-old Doi scored four straight games before Eala and forced a tiebreaker.
Eala debuted in the Australian Open three years ago and ended up as the Girls’ Doubles champion with Priska Nugroho, and followed up with another doubles Grand Slam title at the 2021 Roland Garros with Oksana Selekhmeteva.
The newly- ranked world No. 215 player had nowhere but up after an impressive professional run in 2021 and 2022 so it was a no-brainer in going after the Australian Open to become the first Filipina to make it to the main draw of a singles grand slam event, said Tiebreaker Times.
However, to open the year, Eala had a shaky start after getting eliminated in the qualifying draw in the W60 Canberra in Australia only a week ago, and if this is a sign of what 2023 has to offer for the young tennis player, then Eala would have to train much harder as it might prove to be a long year for her.
Tags: #tennis, #australianopen, #filipinoathlete