MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala did not disappoint in her first match in the US Open qualifying round, carving out a 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 win over Australia’s Maddison Inglis yesterday in New York.
A former US Open junior champion, Eala proved she belongs on the big stage by fending off the 26-year-old Aussie, WTA No. 180, in two hours and three minutes.
Eala’s lethal counter attacks spelled the difference, forcing Inglis to 10 errors in the three-set triumph that sent her to within two wins of the US Open main draw.
The 19-year-old Filipina previously barged into the finals of the French Open and Wimbledon qualifying round. She lost both.