Alex Eala beats Tereza Valentova, advances to Hong Kong Tennis Open QF

Alexandra “Alex” Eala survived a tough test against Tereza Valentova, 6-4, 7-6(7), on Thursday to book her place in the quarterfinals of the Hong Kong Tennis Open.

Eala raced to a 3-0 lead in the opening set before Valentova got on the board. The Filipina then claimed another game to move ahead, 4-1, but the Czech fought back to level the set at 4-all. Eala, however, held her nerve and won the next two games to take the opening set.

In the second set, Eala held an early 2-1 advantage before Valentova surged ahead, 5-3. The Filipina rallied to win three consecutive games, but Valentova fought back to force a tiebreak.

Eala took control early in the tiebreak, winning the first five points before Valentova claimed the next four. The Filipina ace then earned a match point, but the Czech saved it to keep her hopes alive.

The two players continued to trade points until the score reached 7-all, before Eala won the next two points to seal the victory.

"It was really, really tough," Eala said.

"I think Teresa played incredibly, and we were able to bring the match to a really high level. I think that was reflected in the score. So, I'm really happy with that win. I think I escaped by a little bit."

Eala will next face Croatia's Antonia Ruzic in the quarterfinals.

Alex Eala's Season recap (singles)

Asian swing

• Pan Pacific Open — Quarterfinals
• Ningbo Open — Round of 16
• Wuhan Open — Round of 64
• Singapore Tennis Open — Round of 16

North American swing

• US Open — Round of 32
• Cincinnati Open — Round of 32
• Canadian Open — Round of 16
• DC Open — Champion

Grass-court swing

• Wimbledon (Grand Slam) — Round of 16
• Bad Homburg Open (WTA 500) — Round of 32
• Berlin Tennis Open (WTA 500) — Semifinals
• HSBC Championships (WTA 500) — Round of 16
• Birmingham Open (WTA 125) — Champion

Clay-court swing

• French Open (Grand Slam) — Round of 128
• Italian Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 32
• Madrid Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 64
• Stuttgart Open (WTA 500) — Round of 32
• Linz Open (WTA 500) — Round of 16

Sunshine Swing

• Miami Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 16
• Indian Wells Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 16

Middle East Swing

• Dubai Tennis Championships (WTA 1000) — Quarterfinals
• Qatar Open (WTA 1000) — Round of 64
• Abu Dhabi Open (WTA 500) — Quarterfinals

Philippine Women’s Open (WTA 125) — Quarterfinals

Australian Swing

• Australian Open (Grand Slam) — Round of 128
• ASB Classic (WTA 250) — Semifinals

—JKC, GMA News

—JKC, GMA News