‘Absolute fighter’ Alex Eala battles by damage earlier than ASB Basic exit

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Though Alex Eala fell wanting a title berth, Chinese language foe Wang Xinyu praises the Filipina for enjoying by damage and placing up a battle that reached the gap

MANILA, Philippines – Within the longest match of the ASB Basic, Alex Eala needed to endure nagging decrease again spasms to present herself an opportunity within the latter stage of the semifinals.

Nonetheless, China’s Wang Xinyu proved an excessive amount of within the remaining stretch as Eala in the end bowed out of the Auckland event, 5-7, 7-5, 6-4, on Saturday, January 10.

Eala went down by 4 video games twice within the match however couldn’t full the spirited comeback within the deciding set. Profitable the sport would have given Eala her second WTA Tour remaining stint since June 2025.

“It was a loopy battle from the begin to the top, for positive,” Wang stated after the sport that lasted 2 hours and 47 minutes.

Wang then praised Eala for enjoying by damage and preserving her composure whereas going through adversity within the match.

“She’s an absolute fighter,” stated the 24-year-old Wang, who might be enjoying in her second tour remaining.

Eala took a medical timeout within the third set as a consequence of a potential again damage after trailing 3-0. Down 5-1 once more, Eala then went on to win three straight video games, 5-4, earlier than Wang salvaged the win within the tenth sport.
Within the first set, the world-ranked No. 53 Eala discovered herself in a 4-0 gap early, however managed to shake off jitters within the ensuing video games to surge to a 7-5 win.
The 20-year-old Filipino then confirmed cracks within the second set, as Wang received 4 straight video games to pressure the decider.
From there, the world No. 57 Wang capitalized on Eala’s again points en path to the ultimate.
Regardless of the loss, the event showcased Eala’s improved expertise to start out 2026, as she reached her third WTA semifinal forward of the Australian Open.
For now, Eala units her sights on the Kooyong Basic in Melbourne, Australia, from January 13 to January 15 as her remaining prelude for the Australian Open. – Rappler.com