Filipina Alex Eala and Indonesia’s Janice Tjen bowed out of the doubles competition of the WTA 500 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open after a 4-6, 2-6 loss to Slovak Tereza Mihalikova and British partner Olivia Nicholls on Friday night (Manila time).
Eala and Tjen, affectionately dubbed the “SEAsters” by fans, put up a spirited fight against the experienced European pair, keeping the opening set close before a large crowd at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre’s Stadium Court.
The Southeast Asian duo had a chance to break serve at 4-all in the first set, but a wide crosscourt winner from Nicholls in the ninth game and a pair of late errors by Tjen proved costly, allowing Mihalikova and Nicholls to take the set.
Momentum stayed with the Slovak-British tandem in the second set as they raced to a 3-0 lead and controlled the remainder of the 76-minute match. Eala and Tjen mounted a brief comeback to trail 2-5, but Nicholls sealed the victory with a decisive smash at the net.
Despite the loss, Eala and Tjen shared $21,720 in prize money and earned 195 WTA points for their run in the tournament.
Nicholls acknowledged the strong Filipino presence in the stands following the match.
“Obviously the girls we were playing against had great support, so it was tough at times,” she said. “There was a lot of cheering, and we’re so happy to play in front of so many people because we don’t get to do that very often. Thanks to all the fans that came out.”
Eala will next compete in the WTA 1000 Qatar Open, where the world No. 45 has secured a spot in the main draw. The tournament runs from February 8 to 14.
