Eala reaches Abu Dhabi Open quarterfinals

Agency :

Alex Eala dug deep and pulled off an epic comeback win over Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus, 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(5), to advance to the Abu Dhabi Open quarterfinals on Thursday (Philippine time) in front of a predominantly Filipino crowd at International Tennis Centre in Zayed Sports City.
After trailing 4-0 in the third set, Eala willed her way back to reach match point, 6-5, before Sasnovich got her act together and forced a tiebreak.
Eala also went down 4-5 in the tiebreak, but errors from the 31-year-old veteran sent the Filipino to match point. Eala didn’t waste the chance, nailing the game-winner that sent the Filipinos on the stands into a wild celebration after a thrilling three-hour match.
“I’m so happy. I can’t believe it,” Eala said shortly after the match. “Grabe! Napasubok talaga yung tibay ng dibdib ko at sigurado ako na kayo din kaya congrats mga kababayan. Maraming salamat po.”
“I just think these moments are moments I only dreamed about. Selling out the stadium is insane. These matches in particular are just really the ones that kind of stick with you.”
The 20-year-old Filipino opened strong and took the first game, but Sasnovich, a five-time WTA runner-up and a former World No.29 player, countered by winning six of the last seven games to take the first set.
Eala got back on track and survived the neck-and-neck second set to extend the game to a decider, where she showcased her nerves of steel.
“I think she started really well in the tight moments. I think she also stepped up, especially with the serve and a lot of winners,” said Eala of the Sasnovich, a qualifier who upset No.8 Paula Badosa, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, to advance.
“I really tried my best in those moments to fight. I really tried to find the fight. And in the end, when I was coming back, I was able to find it, so I’m really proud of that. And, once again, the crowd is very proud of that fight as well.”
Eala will also play in the doubles quarterfinal with fellow Southeast Asian rising star Janice Tjen, taking on Cristina Bucsa and Zhang Shuai in the quarterfinal on Thursday evening.