Courtesy: Mubadala DC Open
Alex Eala dethroned Leylah Fernandez of Canada, storming back from a 5-1 deficit in the second set to complete a 6-2, 7-6 victory and barge into the quarterfinals of the Mubadala DC Open in Washington DC.
This was the second straight time Eala eliminated a defending champion after beating Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon.
World no.28 Eala also avenged her loss to the Filipino-Canadian in their only previous encounter in Stuttgart last April.
After dominating the opening set in just 34 minutes, Eala saw Fernandez respond with a 5-1 lead in the second frame. But the Filipina fought back, winning five straight games to move ahead 6-5.
Fernandez managed to force a tiebreak, but her unforced errors proved costly, allowing Eala to build a 5-1 advantage. The Filipina ace seized the chance and finished the match with back-to-back forehand winners.
Alex, now in her seventh WTA Tour quarterfinal, awaits either second seed Elina Svitolina or Uzbek qualifier Polina Kudermetova.
About the Author
