Alex Eala entered the W60 Templeton in dominant fashion with a 6-0, 6-0 win against Shavit Kimchi yesterday. However, her time at the ITF tournament has been cut short by a loss to Katarzyna Kawa this morning.
Although Eala won the first set, 6-2, the 29-year-old Kawa proved to be the stronger opponent in the next two. The second-round match ended in the Polish player’s favor, 2-6, 6-4, 6-0.
Against an experienced opponent
Katarzyna Kawa, who is currently ranked 163rd on the WTA singles ranking, entered the tournament as the seventh seed. Nevertheless, 291st Alex Eala was able to open the match strong, proving her skill early on.
Eala was in control of the first set. She was up 4-1 and using her momentum, she ended the set comfortably, 6-2.
However, the Polish side proved her experience as the match went on. Similar to Eala’s opening set, Kawa went on a momentous run in the second, going up by 5-2. Although the Filipina was able to come back in the next two games, 5-4, Kawa ended the set, taking the next game.
Finally, the third set showed where Kawa had been before. In her career, she has competed in both Wimbledon and the US Open main draws and has 18 ITF titles. She breezed through the third set against Eala, 6-0.
The 17-year-old pro
Throughout the year, the US Open Juniors Champion has been focusing much of her time on building her professional career. Playing on the ITF Women’s Tennis Tour, she has risen to a career-high ranking of 267 on the ITF singles ranking. And, she currently has two professional titles.
Despite the loss at the W60 in Templeton, we know we will be seeing the Filipina tennis ace back on her feet again.
In our exclusive interview with her, Eala shared that when faced with losses, she turns to her coaches and family. “That’s where they really come in…I’ve lost so many times we just have to move on and keep going.”
As she continues growing as a tennis player and building her strength as a pro with every match she plays, we’ll certainly be seeing more from Alex Eala soon.