Eala underscores need for grace, bravery in pulling off stunner vs Rybakina
MANILA, Philippines — Facing off against a Goliath, Alex Eala showcased her nerves of steel as she stunned World No. 2 Elena Rybakina in the Berlin Open.
Eala fought back from a 1-4 deficit in the first set and fought through to the end to grab the 7-5, 6-4, in the tournament's Round of 16 early Friday morning.
Rybakina punched in 13 aces in the match, but her error-riddled performance, as well as the steady play of the Filipina, pushed the World No. 35 tennister past the Kazakh.
After the match, Eala shared what she needed to have to grab the win.
“I think you have to give yourself grace while also being brave [when facing a heavy server],” she said after the match.
“And I think for me, returning and my game in general, a highlight word would be to be 'brave'. And it makes a big difference when I'm able to do that.”
Eala herself had four aces. She also won 27 receiving points to her opponent’s 22, while winning 45 service points to her opponent’s 42.
Rybakina is also the second World No. 2 player that Eala defeated. Last year, the 21-year-old stunned Iga Swiatek in the Miami Open.
"I am a little foggy right now," Eala said
"I'm still shaking, and I was shaking on match point, too. But I'm really happy with today, of course. It could have gone either way. I think there were really tight moments in both sets, and she's an amazing player,” she added.
“She's the one to beat, so I'm happy to have been able to share the court with her again."
Now, the Filipina will take on the World No. 8 Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinal of the WTA 500 tournament set on Friday evening (Manila time).
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