Eala downs Linette to make Miami Open Round of 16
MANILA, Philippines -- Miami continues to be Alex Eala’s playground.
Eala is headed to the fourth round of the Miami Open after dispatching Magda Linette, 6-3, 7-6(2), early Sunday morning (Manila time).
The Filipina, who had a dream run in last year’s tournament, is poised for another deep run this time around.
The two tennisters were kept in a 3-all deadlock in the first set, before Eala broke free with three straight games to grab the 6-3 triumph.
The second set was much tougher, as the 34-year-old Linette, fought tooth and nail against the World No. 29 player despite needing a medical timeout early on.
Linette held a 6-5 lead, but Eala forced the tiebreak.
And in the tiebreak, the Filipina showcased her mastery against her familiar foe to finish off the win in an hour and 48 minutes.
“Well, I think patience was a very key aspect of how I played today. Magda is such a fighter. And every time I played against her, she's put me in such difficult positions,” she said.
“So, kudos to her for playing well. And yeah, I really enjoyed the battle.”
Eala will be facing World No. 14 Karolina Muchova of Czechia in the Round of 16.
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