EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD Alex Eala, now on a career-best world ranking, pulled off the biggest win of her young professional career after upending world No. 41 Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, at the Madrid Open.
Eala, a wild card entry off her new and upgraded WTA ranking of 156 this week, played aggressively after losing the first set, sending in crucial points in winning the second set, 6-4
With Tsurenko ahead, 4-3, Eala stayed consistent and took the next three games to close the third set, 6-4.
“Having a positive mentality really helped and focusing point by point. Before the match, we discussed I should have good intensity and good body language. I think that’s what got me through the tough times during the match,” said Eala in on social media.
So far, Eala earned a total of $52,061 or P2.992 million in pro campaign this year and now has four-year tally of $231,299 (around P12.27-million)
After her win, Eala received an inspiring hug from father, Mike, who watched from the stands.
She reached the Round of 64 on Thursday, where she will face Sorana Cirstea of Romania (WTA No. 30).
Eala is set to compete in the French Open qualifiers at the end of the month and hopes to push her rankings up to hopefully qualify for the Paris Olympics.
She recently picked up $1400 in winnings after making it to the Oeiras Ladies Open Round of 32 last week.