After losing her quarterfinals match in 3-sets against Rebecca Marino in Ilkley Open, Alex Eala quickly regained focus as she defeated Varvara Gracheva in WTA 250 Nottingham Open Qualifiers last night, June 14.
3-Set Win to Advance in the Round 2 of Qualifiers
Seeded sixth in the qualifying draw, Eala showed composure and resilience throughout the match.
In the opening set, the world ranked no. 77 from the Philippines surged from a 3-all tie by stringing together three straight games to secure the win.
Final Score of Set 1: 6-3
The current world ranked no. 110 from France, however, responded strongly in the second, pulling away from a narrow 4-3 lead to win the next set and force a decider.
Final Score of Set 2: 6-3
The 20 year old Filipina started the third set with urgency, quickly racing to a 2-0 lead. Although Gracheva, a once upon a time ranked no. 39, managed to level the score at 2-2, Eala pushed forward, breaking serve to establish a 5-2 cushion. Gracheva broke back immediately, narrowing the gap to 5-3, but Eala regained control in the next game, capitalizing on two match points and sealing the win on her first opportunity.
Final Score of Set 3: 6-3
8th Seed Eala Versus 11th Seed Todoni
This was a much needed win for the pride of Quezon City, Philippines not only for her to win the title but also to have much preparation before participating in the Wimbledon Open.
In the main draw, she will face the 11th seed of the tournament, Anca Todoni of Romania. The fellow 20 year old is currently ranked no. 87 and had previously beaten Jodie Burrage in 3 sets behind the British crowd cheering for her.
Alex aims to clinch one of six available spots in the main draw but for that to happen, she must first turn all of her attention in winning her match against Todoni.
The Round 2 Qualifying match between the two is set to be played later this evening, June 15 (Philippine Date and Time).
This marks the third victory for Alex in the grass courts this year. Back in Ilkley, she won her Round of 32 against Lizette Cabrera and in Round of 16 defeated Valentina Ryser.
