Alex Eala exits with Australian Open qualifying loss

Photo from Alex Eala’s Facebook

MANILA, Philippines—Alex Eala on Tuesday failed to make the main draw of the Australian Open in Melbourne for the second straight time.

The Filipino tennis ace, who began the new year with a career-best ranking at No. 185, was defeated by Sweden’s Rebecca Peterson in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, in the first round of the qualifying draw.

After getting dominated in the first set, Eala refused to go down without a fight and led 5-4 in the second.

READ: Alex Eala eyes another fruitful year starting with Australian Open

Peterson, who is 10 years older than Eala and ranked 128th, banked on her experience to send Eala home.

Last year, Eala was also eliminated in the opening round after faltering against Japan’s Misaki Doi, 4-6, 7- 6, 6-3.

With the victory, Peterson will take on Russia’s Anastasia Zakharova in the next round of the qualifying.