Eala misses rare chance to face Swiatek

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala missed out on a potential dream duel against world No. 1 Iga Swiatek after falling short against Sorana Cirstea of Romania, 3-6, 7-6(6), 4-6, in the second round of the Madrid Open late Thursday night in Spain.

Riding on the crest of her biggest win in a budding career thus far, Eala stood her ground against another fancied bet but could not sustain the momentum en route to a tough three-set defeat in the Round of 64.

Eala, 18, could have forced a historic match-up against Swiatek, who made short work of her own battle against China’s Xinyu Wang, 6-1, 6-4, to advance to the Round of 32.

Eala, the WTA No. 170, grinded out a thrilling 7-6 win in the extended second set to force a decider, where she ultimately succumbed to the world No. 30 Cirstea.

The Filipina ace managed a 3-1 lead in the clincher only for the 34-year-old Cirstea to flaunt her experience in a 5-1 closeout for the gritty win.