Tennis player Alex Eala in the Miami Open 2023. –ALEX EALA FACEBOOK
MANILA, Philippines—Alex Eala prematurely exited the Miami Open main draw after losing to World No. 34-ranked player Irina-Camelia Begu in the Round of 128 at Florida on Tuesday.
Eala, who got a wild card entry to the Miami tilt, succumbed to Begu, 6-2, 7-5, in over one hour and 51 minutes of action.
Eala had a 5-1 advantage at the start of the second set but Begu saved five set points The 17-year-old Filipino ace went blank in the remainder of the set, signaling her early exit from competition.
Begu will be advancing to the second round against 23rd seeded Zheng Qinwen of China in the Miami Open next round.
Eala, on the other hand, will try her luck to take a Grand Slam qualifying round in the Roland Garros Open.
This year’s iteration of the Miami Open was Eala’s third try overall in the main draw of the Women’s Tennis Association tour, with the 2021 Winners Open and 2022 Miami Open being the other trials.