Alex Eala reacts during a match within the 2026 Italian Open vs Wang Xinyu within the Round of 64. –WTA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala barged into the Italian Open round of 32 after sweeping Chinese rising star Wang Xinyu, 6-4, 6-3, on Friday (Philippine time).
The Filipino tennis ace recovered from a slow start within the opening set and overcame a 2-3 deficit within the second before winning three straight games to maneuver inside a game of the match at 5-3.
Eala, currently No. 42 within the WTA rankings, battled back from a 15-40 deficit in the ultimate game to finish the massive win over the world No. 33.
The 20-year-old Eala stumbled to a 0-3 start and needed to survive a decent fourth game within the opening set before winning the following two games to take her first lead at 4-3.
Wang stopped Eala’s run to tie the set at 4-4, however the Filipina quickly regained control and won the ultimate two games to finish the comeback.
Eala avenged her loss to Wang within the ASB Classic semifinals last January, where the Chinese player prevailed, 7-5, 5-7, 6-4.
The Rafa Nadal Academy graduate opened her Italian Open campaign with a gritty 6-0, 3-6, 6-4 win over Magdalena Frech of Poland in the primary round.
Eala has already surpassed last yr’s first-round exit within the tournament.