FILE–Philippines’ Alex Eala. (Photo by ULISES RUIZ / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala yielded to Chinese netter Wei Sijia, 7-5, 6-2, in the Women’s Tennis Association 125 Canberra International semifinal on Friday at Canberra Tennis Centre in Australia.
Eala’s impressive run in Canberra ended after getting swept by Wei in an hour and 28 minutes.
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The Filipino netter fell short in their intense first set duel, where she led 5-4 but lost steam as the Chinese stole the momentum and carried it into the second frame.
Wei unleashed a 5-0 start in the second set, blanking Eala.
The 19-year-old Eala tried to fight back and won two consecutive games but her World No. 134 opponent put on the finishing touches in the eighth game to advance to the final.
Wei and Japanese Aoi Ito clash for the Canberra title.
READ; Alex Eala meets tennis legend Billie Jean King
It was still a great run for Eala to start the year 2025, entering the semis with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 win over Australia’s Taylah Preston on Thursday.
The Rafael Nadal Academy graduate went through the qualifiers, winning five straight games before falling in the semis.
Eala braces for the 2025 Australian Open qualifiers next week, eyeing to reach her first Grand Slam women’s main draw entry.