Alex Eala, aiming for back-to-back, loses steam in W25 Aldershot final

Photo from Alex Eala Facebook

MANILA, Philippines—Alex Eala failed in her bid to go back-to-back in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) W25 tournament as she faltered at the hands of Australia’s Destanee Aiava, 6-3, 4-6, 1-6, in the Aldershot singles final in Great Britain on Sunday (Manila time).

The 18-year-old Filipino tennis ace got off to a strong start but she lost steam when it mattered most against a game Aiava.

Aiava pulled even after Eala got the headstart and continued to pour it on in the final set, zooming to a 5-0 lead.

Eala tried to recover but to no avail, as Aiava picked up her sixth overall International Tennis Federation (ITF) singles title.

Aiava’s victory also avenged her compatriot’s loss to Eala in the W25 Roehampton final in London a week ago.

Photo from Alex Eala’s Facebook

Riding high after ruling at Roehampton, where she demolished Arina Rodionova, 6-2, 6-3, in the title match, Eala entered the W25 Aldershot event brimming with confidence.

And it showed with a string of impressive victories on her way to the final.

Eala progressed into the quarterfinal with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 comeback win over another Australian in Talia Gibson.

Eala continued her winning ways by rolling past Jenna Defalco of the United States, 6-1, 6-2, to book a ticket to the semis where she hurdled a first-set loss and topped home bet Katy Dunne, 1-6, 7-6, 6-3.