Alex Eala repeated her prowess, outlasting Dayana Yastremska in a 7–5, 4–6, 7–5 squeaker to set up a rematch against Coco Gauff in the 2026 Indian Wells Open at the Tennis Garden in California, March 7.
The Pinay survived in the third set despite falling in the second, bouncing back from a 4–5 trail with a two-game run, benefiting from Yastremska's return mishaps.
Eala then pulled ahead as she drew out four match points before exploiting her foe’s errant forehand reply in the 12th game to complete the narrow escape.
Later, the 20-year-old prodigy stated focus was crucial during the match, while also commending Yastremska’s performance.
"I think focus was a huge part of the match today. She played really well, in my opinion. I had to really go after all the balls and trust my gut. I think mental fortitude was a big part of today's game,” said Eala, who claimed a first-round bye early on.
Eala steered away from a 3–all opener as she slotted forehand winners while capitalizing on the Ukrainian’s sloppy returns to jumpstart a 5–3 buffer.
The duel then moved to 5–all as the Pinay failed to swat her opponent's backhands, until the former secured the outset through Yastremska’s unforced error.
But momentum shifted toward the Ukrainian in the second frame after nailing consecutive forehand winners that forced Eala to trail at a 1–4 disadvantage.
However, the Filipina then charged back to 4–all, only to succumb in her wayward forehand return in the 10th game before conceding the second set.
Their tussle went back-and-forth in the third, until the Pinay withstood a point-deficit with a decisive three-game burst to seal the tightrope win.
Eala will next face the WTA world No. 4 Gauff in the round of 32.
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.
