Swiss lass ends Eala run with gritty 3-set win

At 15 and still finding her way in professional tennis, Alex Eala has learned to enjoy every experience—win or lose.

After a three-set defeat in her latest pro foray, the W60 Bellinzona tournament in Switzerland, the Filipino teenager said she, nevertheless, enjoyed the week. She did, after all, spend time in a country known for its medieval castles, Swiss alps, watches and chocolates.

So she called up her parents back here in the country to say: “It was a good week for me here. This place is so beautiful and scenic.”

Eala produced wound up in a defeat to hometown bet Simona Waltert, who hammered out a 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 victory late Thursday.

The 20-year-old Waltert, ranked 284 in the world and a wild card in the meet, climbed back from 4-1 deficit to nail the opening round en route to the victory.

Eala, ranked 715th in the world, turns 16 in May, is expected to participate in more tournaments this year as she prepares for high-level meets.