Alex Eala handles Zhang Shuai, rolls into rematch vs Iva Jovic
FILE–Alex Eala in action during the WTA 125 Birmingham Open. –BIRMINGHAM OPEN/LTA PHOTO
LIVE: Alex Eala vs Zhang Shuai – HSBC Championships
MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala shook off a slow start then steamrolled an erratic Zhang Shuai, 6-3, 6-2, in a resounding main draw debut at the HSBC Championships in London.
Just days removed from a title run in the Birmingham Open, Eala picked up where she left off and booked a rematch with her close friend Iva Jovic in the round of 16.
Eala was beaten by Jovic in the first round of the French Open two weeks ago.
READ: Alex Eala, fresh off title, plays Zhang Shuai at Queen’s Club
Into the Round of 16! 👏
Alex Eala flies through her opening round match at @QueensTennis, defeating Zhang 6-3, 6-2.#HSBCChampionships pic.twitter.com/SuareH326h
— wta (@WTA) June 9, 2026
The 21-year-old Eala broke loose from a 1-1 deadlock in the second set, pouncing on an error-prone showing by the Chinese veteran.
Eala rallied from 0-2 down in the opening frame before finding the right angles against Zhang, who committed 33 errors.
Eala blanked Zhang in the final game, ending the match in emphatic fashion.
