Alex Eala admits she’s ‘bonded really quickly’ with WTA player over their Filipino roots

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Alexandra Eala Launches Tokyo Open Campaign with Dominant Win

In a commanding display at the Tokyo Open, Alexandra Eala brushed aside Mika Stojsavljevic in straight sets, dropping only three games in a 6‑0, 6‑3 victory. The 21‑year‑old Filipino sensation showcased the kind of precision and power that has marked her rise on the WTA Tour, setting a confident tone for the remainder of the tournament.

Clinical Victory Over Stojsavljevic

Eala’s opening match was a masterclass in efficiency. She broke the British teenager’s serve four times, converting 80% of her break points, while never facing a break point herself. The 6‑0, 6‑3 scoreline reflected the gap in class and gave Eala a crucial confidence boost after a mixed week in Ningbo, where she fell in the second round to Diana Shnaider.

Post‑Match Reflections

Speaking with Dyan Castillejo, Eala reflected on the indoor conditions and her recent form. “I’m really happy. The conditions are different than last week, and with the time I spent on court, I get more and more accustomed to it,” she said. She emphasized that last week was “a really good week” and that she is “trying to continue that momentum and finish the year strong.”

“I put out some really great tennis on court. So I’m super happy about that.”

Next Up: Facing Talia Gibson

Eala will now meet Australian qualifier Talia Gibson in the second round. The two have not faced each other for some time, and Eala acknowledges that both have evolved. “I remember she’s a big hitter and a big fighter, like everyone is. So it should be a really good match,” she noted. A win would set up a potential clash with a seeded player and keep her on track for a deep run.

Doubles Disappointment

The singles triumph was bittersweet, as Eala’s planned doubles partnership with Desirae Krawczyk was withdrawn. Eala expressed disappointment but also highlighted the personal connection: “She’s so proud of her Filipino roots, and it’s so nice to have someone to connect about that with on tour. We bonded really quickly because of that.” She remains hopeful the pairing will come together in future events.

Future Outlook

Following the victory, former British player Greg Rusedski compared Eala to Maria Sharapova, her idol, suggesting she could break into the top ten by 2027. While such predictions are speculative, the 21‑year‑old’s consistency, aggressive baseline play, and mental toughness have positioned her as one of the WTA’s most promising talents. Fans will be watching closely as she aims to translate early‑round success into sustained ranking improvement.

Sports, News, People, Tennis, WTA, Filipino athletes, Tokyo Open

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