Alex Eala shines in Philippine Women’s Open, beats Charaeva to reach Round of 16

Alexandra “Alex” Eala just made Manila’s bright lights shine even brighter.

On Monday, the Filipino tennis star played a professional match in front of her home crowd for the first time, defeating Alina Charaeva in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2, in the Philippine Women's Open at the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

With Manila’s skyline towering over the venue, Eala stood tall and took the opening set, 6–1, to quickly seize control of the match.

Charaeva showed more resistance in the second set, taking the first two games before Eala found her rhythm and broke back. 

Eala later called for a medical timeout but returned to the court composed and in control, closing out the match to advance to the Round of 16.

The Filipino standout will next face the winner of the match between Japanese players Nao Hibino and Himeno Sakatsume.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News