Alex Eala suffers early exit in Thailand Open after loss to German foe

Filipino young netter Alex Eala was dealt an early exit at the WTA Thailand Open after falling to Tatjana Maria of Germany, 6-2, 6-2, in their Round of 32 clash of the women's singles tournament on Tuesday in Hua Hin, Thailand.

Eala committed five double faults against Maria's two while securing no aces in the game that lasted for one hour and 10 minutes. The 25-year-old Maria, who ranks 63rd in the world, had seven perfect aces to give Eala the boot.

Eala, 17, previously defeated Han Xinyun of China and Kristina Dmitruk in the qualifiers to earn a spot at the main draw.

This was the latest heartbreak for the Filipina tennis prodigy and three-time Grand Slam winner as she also exited the 2023 Australian Open in the opening round and the W60 Canberra in the second round to open the new year.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News