ALEX Eala is officially through to the main draw of the 2025 Lexus Nottingham Open after surviving a pair of grueling qualifying matches, sealing her third grass-court appearance this season.
The 20-year-old Filipina, currently ranked No. 77 in the world, booked her spot with a hard-fought victory over Romania’s Anca Todoni, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3, in a match that stretched to two hours and 19 minutes early Monday morning, Manila time.
Eala held her ground despite facing a 12-ace barrage from the world No. 90.
Linette awaits Eala in next round
In her opening qualifying match, Eala also came through in three sets, dispatching France’s Varvara Gracheva, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, in a two-hour, five-minute battle.
With the win, she advances to the round of 32, where she is set to face sixth seed Magda Linette of Poland, currently ranked No. 31 in the world.
Their showdown is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday [Manila time].
In two weeks, Eala had seen action in three green surface contests counting a first-round exit in Birmingham Classic and a quarterfinal finish at the Ilkley Open.
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