SIX straight wins on grass proved that Alex Eala can also perform on a bigger stage at the HSBC Championships in London.
Fresh from winning her second WTA125 title in Birmingham, the Filipina world no. 33 defeated China’s Zhang Shuai, 6-3, 6-2, in the round of 32 to set up a rematch against her French Open tormentor, Iva Jovic, on Tuesday night, Manila time.
It only took Eala an hour and 9 minutes to defeat the Chinese, no. 64.
After falling behind 0-2 in the opening set, Eala quickly regained control by winning five of the next six games for a 5-3 advantage before closing out the frame, 6-3.
The Filipina then carried her momentum into the second set, breaking away from a 1-1 deadlock to build a commanding 5-2 lead before sealing the straight-set victory.
The Queen's Club tournament is Eala’s second event on the surface this season after an impressive start in Birmingham.
Eala hopes to get even with Jovic, world no. 19, as she banks on her growing momentum on grass.
Given that her Birmingham title run came at the WTA125 level, the feat also marked Eala’s first main-draw win on the WTA Tour since her runner-up finish at the Eastbourne Open last year.
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