Alex Eala and Nadiia Kichenok powered their way into the quarterfinals of the Guangzhou Open women’s doubles with a composed 6–4, 6–2 win over Emily Appleton and Qianhui Tang.
Filipina tennis star Alex Eala and Ukraine’s Nadiia Kichenok delivered a composed and confident performance to move into the quarterfinals of the Guangzhou Open women’s doubles, defeating Emily Appleton of Great Britain and Qianhui Tang of China, 6–4, 6–2, on Thursday, October 23.
Coming off a three-set singles heartbreak to American Claire Liu, Eala found redemption on the doubles court alongside the three-time Olympian.
The Filipino-Ukrainian tandem struck early in Set 1 to take control despite Appleton and Tang’s strong start, 6-4.
In Set 2, Eala and Kichenok were nearly untouchable on serve, holding all their service games without facing a single break point.
They also capitalized on their opponents’ errors, including three double faults, to seal the win in just over an hour, 6-2.
The victory marks a strong doubles debut for their partnership, setting up a quarterfinal clash as Eala continues her campaign in Guangzhou.
Eala and Kichenok are set to face Polina Kudermetova and Kamilla Rakhimova next in the doubles quarterfinals tomorrow, at 1:00 p.m. Philippine time.