Eala Stuns Hu, Enters Guadalajara 125 Open Quarterfinals
Filipina Tennis Star Continues Stellar Season
Eala defeats China's Hu Xinyu in a three-set thriller
Guadalajara, Mexico – Filipino tennis star Alex Eala has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Guadalajara 125 Open 2024 after a stunning victory over China's Hu Xinyu.
Eala, ranked 142nd in the world, pulled off a 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 upset over the 88th-ranked Hu on Tuesday, March 7.
The 18-year-old Filipina went on to face number 2 seed Tatjana Maria later that day and won in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1.
Eala's victory marks her first WTA quarterfinal appearance of the season and her second overall.
The Guadalajara 125 Open is an ITF Women's World Tennis Tour event held at the Guadalajara Country Club in Mexico.
Highlights of the Match
- Eala won the first set easily, 6-3.
- Hu fought back to win the second set, 6-2.
- Eala broke Hu's serve in the final set and held on to win the match, 6-4.
What's Next for Eala
Eala will face either sixth seed Lin Zhu or qualifier Liang En Shuo in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, March 8.
A win in the quarterfinals would pit Eala against either top seed Magda Linette or fourth seed Sara Sorribes Tormo in the semifinals.
Eala is looking to build on her strong start to the season, which has included a title at the W60 Canberra and a runner-up finish at the W60 Traralgon.
Eala's Success on the Rise
Eala's success in Guadalajara is the latest in a string of impressive performances for the young Filipina.
In 2023, she won her first WTA Challenger title at the W125 Makinohara and reached the third round of the Australian Open.
Eala is currently ranked 142nd in the world and is on track to break into the top 100 for the first time in her career.
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