The Pinay completed her redemption after sweeping Sorana Cirstea, 7–5, 6–4, to set up a quarterfinals clash in the WTA 1000 Dubai Tennis Championships women’s singles at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre, February 19.
Eala turned her previous defeat into triumph after nearly squandering a three-game second-set lead at 5–4 before pulling away with a lefty forehand smash that sparked the Filipino crowd’s cheers.
During a post-match interview, the 20-year-old Filipina expressed how trusting her shots while being poised was the key to victory.
“I think the key to today was staying calm and trusting my shots,” she remarked. “I think I was very solid in particular moments where I needed to be. So that reflected in my performance and in the score.”
The Philippine ace’s win marked her successful comeback after initially losing to the Romanian in three sets during the 2024 Mutua Madrid Open.
Eala struggled to gain an edge in the onset as Cirstea fired forehand attacks and drops, exploiting her foe’s slow responses that gave the former a 4–5 beating.
Refusing to falter, the standout Filipina rattled off a two-game rally at 6–5 before pulling away from two set points to eventually seal the opener.
The Pinay maintained her surge in the second frame after unleashing front-court smashes to breach her counterpart’s blocks for a 3–0 cushion.
She then chipped away from two break points in the fifth game before extending her advantage at 5–2 as she slotted multiple backhand offensives.
However, the Romanian had something up her sleeve.
Attempting a turnaround, the 35-year-old Cirstea trimmed her trail by a point after nailing a flurry of counters that her opponent fell short in intercepting.
But the Filipina stopped the Romanian’s efforts after letting loose a decisive smash to pry through the latter’s defense and conclude her redemption.
Eala has no time to be relaxed as she will test her mettle against the World No. 4 Coco Gauff in the semifinals later.
Written by Vince Garcia, Insight PH
Vince Garcia, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
