Alex Eala rallies to beat Dutch foe in rain-delayed Portugal tilt

Alex Eala flipped the switch in the second set to outlast Anouk Koevermans of Netherlands, 6-3, 6-4, in the Round of 32 of rain-delayed 2025 Oeiras Ladies Open in Portugal on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old Filipina tennis star, who was seeded first in the tournament following a historic run at the Miami Open just days ago, erased a 2-4 deficit in the second set to complete the comeback and open a new phase in her career.

Now the world no. 72, Eala advanced to Round of 16.

Eala's return to clay court, though, hit a snag after the match was delayed by heavy downpour that led to an eventual suspension.

The game was initially stopped at the 3-2 mark of the second set, but continued after 20 minutes. However, the match was delayed for the next 24 hours due to inclement weather with Eala staring at a 2-4 disadvantage.

But the weather didn't dampen Eala's perseverance as she came back the next day stronger to win the next four games and complete a sweep of the 21-year-old Koevermans.

The tournament serves as Eala's preparations for the upcoming French Open, where she is tipped to make the main draw for the first time in her young career.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News