Alex Eala survives Jasmine Paolini test, moves into Dubai Tennis Championships Round of 16

Alexandra “Alex” Eala survived a tough challenge from Jasmine Paolini of Italy, 6-1, 7-6(5), in the Round of 32 of the Dubai Tennis Championships early Wednesday (Philippine time) to advance to the next round.

After cruising through the first set, Eala faced a much stiffer test from the Italian and world No. 8 in the second.

Eala took an early 3-1 lead before Paolini won two straight games to level the set. Eala quickly regained her rhythm, capturing the next two games to move within reach of victory. In the ninth game, with Eala serving for the match, Paolini saved three match points and held serve to stay alive.

Paolini, a former champion of the tournament, then tied the set, 5-all, before surviving an error-filled set to take a 6-5 lead.

Refusing to back down, Eala fought off two set points to force a tiebreak.

Paolini grabbed an early 3-2 advantage in the tiebreak, but the Filipina ace responded by winning three consecutive points to seize control. Paolini saved another match point, but after one hour and 40 minutes, Eala sealed the hard-earned victory.

 

 

 

 

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"In the tiebreak, I was trying everything to keep myself in check and... I was thinking, you know, this stadium is full of Filipinos. Sabi ko, ilan kaya sa inyo ang nagdadasal para sa akin? So I really had to give everything I got," Eala said.

Eala will next face Sorana Cîrstea of Romania.

HIGHLIGHTS | Alex Eala vs Jasmine Paolini - Dubai Tennis Championships Round of 32

—JKC, GMA Integrated News