Alex Eala in action last month at All England Club. —PHOTO FROM ALEX EALA’S
INSTAGRAM
The Philippines’ Alex Eala’s impressive run in the Winners Open-WTA 250 Romania came to an end on Thursday at the hands of an Egyptian.
The 16-year-old, in her first big money event, suffered a 6-2, 6-2 defeat at the hands of Mayar Sherif in the Round-of-16.
Sherif, who bundled out top seed Alize Cornet of France the previous round, converted all six of her break points to smoothen her way to victory.
The 25-year-old Sherif will take on the winner of the Irina Bara of Romania and Kristina Kucova of Slovakia match in the quarterfinals.
Eala struggled with her serve game, committing eight double faults, while Sherif rained down six aces.
The World No. 119, who is also the most accomplished tennis player in her country, broke the Filipino four times.
Sherif also converted 70 percent of her first serve, compared to 55 percent by Eala.
Still, it was a decent finish for Eala. She is expected to rise from her 639th ranking in women’s tour because of higher ranking points the tournament offered.