UNABLE to really find her footing, Alex Eala was swiftly reminded why Ekaterina Alexandrova is the second seed in Abu Dhabi.
The Filipina rising star ranked No. 45 in the world struggled to keep up with the world No. 11 Russian throughout their quarterfinal clash at the WTA 500 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, falling 6–3, 6–3, late Thursday night, Manila time.
READ Alex Eala gives a face to overseas Filipinos' battle against the odds
Eala was coming off an epic comeback in a three-setter against Aliaksandra Sasnovich less than 24 hours earlier, but looked nowhere as sharp as she fell in straight sets to the tournament second seed in one hour and 30 minutes.
Although the loss ended Eala’s singles run in Abu Dhabi, her campaign continues in the doubles quarterfinals alongside fellow Southeast Asian Janice Tjen.
The trailblazing Filipina competes next at the WTA 1000 Qatar Open, pressing her pursuit of a first WTA Tour title.
Eala fell behind early as Alexandrova raced to a 4–1 lead in the opening set, dictating play from the baseline. The Filipina steadied briefly and pulled back to 3–5, but the Russian closed the door quickly.
In the second set, Eala struck first, only for Alexandrova to reel off three straight games and take control. Eala fought back to level at 3–3, but the 31-year-old again pulled away by winning the last three games.
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