FILE–Philippines’ tennis player Alex Eala. (Photo by ULISES RUIZ / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala is ending the year 2024 on a high note after reaching the main draw of the Women’s Tennis Association 125 Workday Canberra International.
Eala took down home bet Alana Subasic with a come-from-behind 5-7, 6-0, 6-1 win in the last stage of the qualifiers on Monday (Manila time) at Canberra Tennis Centre.
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The 19-year-old Filipino netter blew a strong 4-2 start in the first set, allowing the 17-year-old wildcard to pull off a comeback and steal the extended opening set.
Eala made sure to bounce back, blanking the Aussie prodigy in the second set and dominating the third to advance to the main draw — her first stint in 2025.
Eala on Sunday dominated Catherine Aulia, 6-1, 6-2, in her first game in the Canberra qualifiers.
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The Rafael Nadal Academy graduate will also compete in doubles with Sayaka Ishi of Japan, starting their campaign on Tuesday against Marina Stakusic of Canada and Elsa Jacquemot of France.
Eala, who is currently at World No.147, is raring to reach the main draw of the women’s Grand Slam singles event as she seeks to get over the hump in the qualifiers for the Australian Open in January.