Alex Eala beats China's Lu, books Jingshan Tennis Open semis spot

Alexandra "Alex" Eala booked a spot in the semifinals of the Jingshan Tennis Open after defeating China's Jia-Jing Lu, 6-4, 6-1, in their quarterfinal match on Friday in China.

The 20-year-old Eala had a slow start, falling behind 2-4 in the opening set. However, the Filipina tennis ace mounted a comeback, winning four consecutive games to take the first set, 6-4.

In an effort to regain momentum, the 35-year-old Lu took the opening game of the second set. However, world No. 58 Eala responded with dominant play, sweeping the next six games to close out the match in straight sets.

Prior to her quarterfinal victory, Eala defeated Aliona Falei of Belarus in the Round of 32 and Japan’s Mei Yamaguchi in the Round of 16.

Eala now faces a familiar opponent in the semifinals, Lulu Sun of New Zealand, whom she previously battled in the third round of the Wimbledon qualifiers last year.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News