
FILE–Filipino tennis player Alex Eala. (Photo by ULISES RUIZ / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala is ending 2024 on a high note after reaching the main draw of the Women’s Tennis Association’s 125 Workday Canberra International.
Eala beat Alana Subasic’s home bet with a come-from-behind 5-7, 6-0, 6-1 victory in the final stage of qualifying on Monday (Manila time) at the Canberra Tennis Centre.
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READ: Alex Eala ‘excited’ to pursue more goals in 2025
The 19-year-old Filipino netmer missed a strong 4-2 start in the opening set, allowing the 17-year-old wildcard player to stage a comeback and steal the first extended set.
Eala made sure to bounce back, blanking the Australian prodigy in the second set and dominating the third to advance to the main draw – her first appearance in 2025.
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Eala dominated Catherine Aulia, 6-1, 6-2, in her first match of the Canberra qualifiers on Sunday.
READ: Alex Eala returned home after completing his stay in China
Academy graduate Rafael Nadal will also compete in doubles with Japan’s Sayaka Ishi, beginning their campaign on Tuesday against Marina Stakusic of Canada and Elsa Jacquemot of France.
Eala, who currently sits at No. 147 in the world, is eager to reach the main draw of the women’s singles Grand Slam tournament as she looks to overcome the hurdle in qualifying for the Australian Open in January.