Alex Eala is through to the next round of the historic Philippine Women’s Open after taking care of business against Russia’s Alina Charaeva.
Alex Eala made sure to live up to her billing after conquering Russia’s Alina Charaeva, 6-1, 6-2, to start the Philippine Women’s Open at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center on Monday.
Eala, who is the undoubtedly the star of the country’s first-ever WTA 125 tournament, recovered from an early medical timeout in the second set to cruise to a sweeping victory.
With the win, the 20-year-old also achieved a measure of revenge against Charaeva, whom she last faced in 2020 and lost to in straight sets.
In Set 2 after winning a game to make it 1-2, Eala took a brief medical timeout to attend to cramping in her right thigh.
She returned shortly after with tape on her leg to ease the discomfort. Though she struggled out of the gate, Eala saved three break points to tie the set at two games each.
That seemed to turn the momentum fully in her favor, as Eala's streak stretched to six games to complete the victory.
Much to the delight of the packed home crown, Eala now has her spot in the next round where she faces the winner between Nao Hibino and Himeno Sakatsume in the Round of 16.
Following the first day of the main draw, Eala is one of two home bets remaining, the other being Kaye Emana of UST who will see action in the Round of 32 on Tuesday against Tatiana Prozorova.
Earlier, the Philippines’ second ranked player, Tenielle Madis, fell to SEA Games 2025 silver medalist Mananchaya Sawangkaew, 6-4, 6-0.
Still, Madis' Philippine Women's Open stint is not done as she will pair up Stefi Aludo in women’s doubles. They face Japan pair Kanako Morisaki and Mana Ayukawa in the opening round.
Elizabeth Abarquez, the fourth Filipina in the tournament, will likewise look to bounce back in doubles with Rovie Baulete, going up against Hiroko Kuwata and Qiuyu Ye also on Tuesday.
—
Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.