Alex Eala rolls past Chinese veteran to kick off HSBC Championships

Alex Eala kept her impressive grass-court run going after defeating China's Zhang Shuai in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, in the Round of 32 of the WTA 500 HSBC Championships on Tuesday in London.

Fresh off her breakthrough grass title at the Birmingham Open just two days ago, the Filipina ace carried her momentum into another strong performance as she is now through to the Round of 16 where she will face familiar rival Iva Jovic.

The world no. 19 Jovic is the sixth-seeded player in the tournament.

Against Shuai, Eala had a shaky start after the 37-year-old veteran raced to a quick 2-0 lead in Set 1. But the Philippine bet regained her rhythm, taking advantage of a series of errors from Shuai to take five of the next six games and seize the set point at 5-3.

To close out the opening frame, Eala engaged in a lengthy rally in the next game but prevailed after unleashing back-to-back forehand winners.

Eala never looked back after clinching a crucial 4-2 lead in Set 2. She and Shuai then figured in another grueling exchange in game seven, but Shuai's two consecutive errors allowed the Filipina ace to secure the match point, 5-2.

Eala didn't drop a point in the final game to complete the romp and set up a rematch with the 18-year-old Jovic, who defeated her in the opening round of the French Open late last month.

READ MORE | Alex Eala falls to Iva Jovic, exits 2026 French Open singles

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News