Alex Eala exits Stuttgart Open after loss to Leylah Fernandez

Alexandra "Alex" Eala bowed out of the Stuttgart Open after a straight sets loss to Leylah Fernandez, 1-6, 4-6, in the Round of 32 on Tuesday in Germany.

Fernandez surged to a commanding 5-0 lead in the opening set before Eala managed to get on the board. The Filipina-Canadian, however, quickly regrouped and closed out the set in the following game.

Eala opened the second set with a strong start, taking the first game, but Fernandez responded by building a 3-1 advantage. The Filipina world No. 45 narrowed the gap with another game, yet Fernandez maintained her composure, winning the next two to move within a game of victory. Eala mounted a brief comeback with back-to-back games, but Fernandez ultimately held firm to seal the win.

Eala will next compete in the Madrid Open in Spain, a WTA 1000 event.

—JKC, GMA News