Alex Eala strikes back, advances in China tiff

Alex Eala shrugged off a second-set stumble to frustrate Poland's Katarzyna Kawa, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, and barge into the second round of the Suzhou WTA 125 tournament in China on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Despite a couple of delays due to heavy rain, the 20-year-old Eala maintained her composure as she climbed back from a 3-4 deficit in the final set before pulling away for good.

It was some sort of sweet revenge for the fourth seed Filipina as she formerly absorbed a 2-6, 6-4, 6-0 loss to Kawa in the second round of the W60 Templeton, which incidentally happened exactly three years ago.

The victory booked Eala a ticket to Round of 16 where she will meet Belgian Greet Minnen, who previously beat China’s Han Shi, 6-4, 6-0.

It was also a bounce back win for the Filipina netter after falling short to Lulu Sun, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, in the semifinal round of Jingshan Tennis Open a few days ago.

Eala and Kawa were tied at 2-2 with the former taking a 15-0 lead in the first set before the officials decided to suspend the contest due to heavy rain.

When the game resumed, Eala unleashed power hits to help her seal the first frame, 6-3. However, her momentum faded in the following set after Kawa regained her groove and outlasted the Filipina in a similar fashion to force an extension.

The charming lefty stormed back and took three of the four games to seize a 3-1 cushion. Kawa recovered and snatched the next three, 3-4, but Eala answered perfectly and cruised to victory.

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