ALEX Eala bucked a lengthy rain delay to barge into the quarterfinals of the W100 Landisville, otherwise known as the 2024 Koser Jewelers Tennis Challenge, in Pennsylvania on Friday (Saturday, Manila time).
The 19-year-old stayed sharp and ready even as the weather delayed her Round of 16 match for two days, as she drubbed wildcard entry Mary Stoiana, 7-5, 6-2.
Still due to the weather, Eala’s conquest was also stalled in the second set, but she remained focused on her goal and finished off her foe in straight sets.
Delaying the inevitable
In the first set, she fended off a comeback try, as Stoiana battled back from down 2-4 to take the 5-4 advantage.
Eala, though, came back with her own three-game streak to avoid the tiebreak and take the one-set advantage, 7-5.
She carried the momentum into the second set and breezed through after the delay, 6-2.
Eala now faces either Talia Gibson or Olivia Gadecki in the quarterfinal.
The Rafa Nadal Academy scholar was also supposed to compete in the women’s doubles with Mexican partner Renata Zarazua, but as inclement weather continues to plague the tournament, the organizers cancelled the competition.
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