Alex Eala falls short in Birmingham Classic

Alex Eala fell short in her Birmingham Classic campaign in the United Kingdom as she suffered early exits in both singles and doubles tournaments.

In a match that lasted for 2 hours and 53 minutes, the third-seeded Eala narrowly lost to Czech player Linda Fruhvirtová, 7-5, 6-7(7), 6-1, in the first round of the singles tourney on early Wednesday (Philippine time).

After two close sets, Fruhvirtova quickly recovered with a 4-1 lead in the third set before eventually claiming the victory. The 20-year old player from Czechia is ranked 152nd by the Women's Tennis Association.

On Monday, Eala and Swiss partner Rebeka Masarova fell to the Australian duo of Storm Hunter and Ellen Perez, 6-4, 6-4, in the first round of the doubles tournament.

Prior to these, the 20-year old Eala, currently ranked 73rd in the world, also suffered a first round exit in the French Open singles tourney, and a second round exit in the Roland Garros doubles last week.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News