SURVIVING a test of endurance and willpower on clay, Alex Eala defeated Magda Frech, 6-0, 3-6, 6-4, to advance to the Round of 64 of the Italian Open in Rome on Wednesday night, Manila time.
The 20-year-old Filipina, currently ranked No. 42 in the world, got her act together in the decider after the Polish world No. 45 showed signs of life in the second set following a bagel opening.
READ Alex Eala keen to rediscover form on clay
Eala will next face Xinyu Wang in the second round. The 31st seed from China received a first-round bye.
Frech came back strong in the second set after an opening shutout and moved ahead 2-0 in the decider, but Eala clawed back to even it at 3-3, seized a5-4 lead, and served out the match in two hours and seven minutes.
The WTA 1000 stint in Rome is Eala's fourth stop of the clay court stretch, and likely her last before the French Open at Roland Garros in late May.
The victory marked the first time she advanced past the round of 128 in Rome since turning pro. it also raised Eala's record to 3-3 across four clay tournaments.
In the full calendar, Italy is her 12th tournament following stints in Auckland, Australia, Manila, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Dubai, Indian Wells and Miami.
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