Eala edges Valentova to reach Hong Kong Tennis Open quarterfinals
The Filipina tennis player beat the Czech 6-4, 7-6(7) in a close match and will next face Croatia's Antonia Ruzic.
Filipina tennis player Alexandra "Alex" Eala reached the quarterfinals of the Hong Kong Tennis Open on Thursday after beating Tereza Valentova of the Czech Republic, 6-4, 7-6(7), according to Edge Davao.
Eala opened the match with a 3-0 lead in the first set. Valentova recovered to level the set at 4-all, but Eala won the next two games to take it, 6-4.
The second set was harder. Eala led 2-1 before Valentova took over and moved ahead, 5-3. Eala then won three games in a row to come within a game of the match, but Valentova fought back and forced a tiebreak.
In the tiebreak, Eala went up 5-0 before Valentova won four straight points. Eala later earned a match point, which Valentova saved. The two traded points until it was 7-all, and Eala won the next two points to close out the match.
"It was really, really tough," Eala said after the win. She praised her opponent's level of play and said she was happy with the result, adding, "I think I escaped by a little bit."
Eala will play Croatia's Antonia Ruzic in the quarterfinals for a place in the semifinals.
Why it matters for Davao
Tennis fans in Davao who follow Filipino athletes abroad can watch for Eala's quarterfinal match against Antonia Ruzic.
This article was written by the DavaoNews desk with AI assistance, using reporting by Edge Davao. Facts come from the original report, which we credit and link below. Our editorial policy
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