Alex Eala ended her WTA 1000 Dubai Tennis Championships campaign after faltering to Coco Gauff via a commanding 0–6, 2–6 romp in the quarterfinals of the women's singles at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre, February 19.
Eala tried to catch up in the second set despite a woeful start after cutting her trail by two at 2–4, but was saddled with a late forehand error which eventually led to her defeat.
In an Instagram post, the Filipina expressed her Dubai bid ended after three weeks fighting with passion and honor while appreciating the full support throughout her journey.
“Three weeks of fighting with love and pride has come to an end here in Dubai. The competition, the atmosphere, the hospitality, and the full-blown support has made these weeks ones I’ll never forget! Thank you,” said Eala.
Prior to her loss, the standout Pinay completed a redemption run and swept Sorana Cirstea of Romania, 7–5, 6–4 in the round of 16 tussle.
Eala could not find an answer to Gauff’s consecutive backhand attacks as she unfortunately yielded 15 unforced errors before being bageled in the opener.
Meanwhile, Gauff continued her surge in the next frame as she let loose forehand winners and a backhand drop shot to gradually blank her foe with a 0–4 gap.
But the Pinay found a way to prolong the fray.
The Filipina then attempted to trim her deficit after prompting a two-point rally through her coordinated offensives that the American failed to fend off.
However, Eala’s efforts came up short in the eighth game after striking an errant cross-court forehand which sealed Gauff’s win in an hour and seven minutes.
After her triumph, the USA representative remarked how the Filipina was a tough nut to crack during their skirmish.
“Alex [Eala] is a tough competitor,” she uttered. “Even when I was up I knew she could come back at any given moment. I’ve seen her do it before.”
Eala is next expected to test her mettle in the upcoming BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California on March 4-15.
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.
