Alex Eala has once again played another Set 3 match in which she failed to win during the Round 1 of the Wuhan Open Qualifiers in the evening of October 4, 2025.
5th Straight Set 3 Match in last 8 Days
Going all the way back in the Jingshan Open Quarterfinals of Alex Eala against Lulu Sun last September 27, the pride of the Philippines has then played 5 consecutive Set 3 matches.
And that also includes her Round 1 Qualifier match against Moyuka Uchijima of Japan at the Wuhan Open.
The now No. 54 Eala, which is her highest career ranking ever, is seeded fifth in the qualifiers and faced world No. 92 Uchijima, who was also a former Top 50 player known for her consistency and counterpunching.
The 24-year-old Uchijima of Japan immediately made her presence felt, breaking the 20-year-old Eala’s serve in the opening games and racing ahead 2-0.
Although the Filipina managed to close the gap through aggressive baseline play and deep returns, the ranked No. 92 maintained her composure, holding serve to seal the first set.
FINAL SCORE OF SET 1: 6-4
Refusing to go down easily, the pride of the Philippines Eala bounced back in the second set with renewed energy.
After trading games early to a 3-all deadlock, she began dictating points with heavier topspin and well-timed forehands, breaking Uchijima’s serve and stringing together three straight games to take the frame to take Set 2.
Her precise shot placement and quicker adjustments at the net allowed her to even the match at one set apiece, keeping her hopes alive for a main draw berth.
FINAL SCORE OF SET 2: 6-3
But fatigue would take its toll in the deciding set.
Playing her fifth straight three-set match in just seven days, Eala’s movement began to slow as Uchijima capitalized on her opponent’s shorter rallies and unforced errors.
The Japanese player surged ahead 3-0 and extended the lead to 4-0, punishing every short ball with depth and accuracy. Eala tried to mount a late comeback, closing the gap to 4-2, but Uchijima held firm, saving break points and wrapping up the match to advance to the next qualifying round.
FINAL SCORE OF SET 3: 6-2
This Set 3 loss follows her recent match in the quarterfinals of Suzhou Open in which she failed to come out victorious as well.
Prior to having back-to-back losses, Eala did win two out of her 5 consecutive Set 3 matches.
Alex got the win against Katarzyna Kawa at the Round of 32 in Suzhou Open despite experiencing multiple delays in their match because of the rain. Then in Round of 16, she won again versus Greet Minnen after a match that lasted 3 Hours.
Up Next: An 8-Day Rest After her China Stint and Targets Japan Open
The No. 54 Alex Eala will now take an 8-day rest before competing again in the WTA 250 Japan Open in Osaka, Japan, which will last from October 13 to 19.
Alex has travelled to 3 cities in China in the past week or so, with 2 of which she reached the Quarterfinals. These tournaments were: Jingshan, Suzhou, and Wuhan.
She is now part of the Official Player List of WTA 250 Japan Open, wherein the hometown hero, Naomi Osaka, will headline the prestigious event.
