MANILA – Alexandra Eala proved her mettle under pressure, storming back from a set deficit scare to overpower Italy’s Nicole Fossa Huergo, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, and advance to the semifinals of the Guadalajara 125 Open in Mexico on Friday (Philippine time).
The 20-year-old Filipina, seeded second in the tournament, showcased resilience in a tense opening set where she trailed 3-1 and later faced her opponent serving for the frame at 5-4. Eala clawed back to level the score, forced a tiebreak, and dominated it to swing momentum in her favor.
That confidence carried over to the second set as the world No. 75 broke serve for a 3-2 lead, stretched it to 5-2, and sealed the straight-sets victory with a strong service hold.
Prior to her quarterfinal triumph, Eala had to complete a rain-delayed round-of-16 battle against veteran Varvara Lepchenko earlier the same day. She rallied to a 6-7 (3-7), 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 win, closing out the decider after play was suspended with her up 3-2 due to unplayable court conditions.
Fossa Huergo, ranked No. 280, had entered the match brimming with confidence after upsetting seventh seed Katarzyna Kawa of Poland and Mexico’s Natalia Souza Salazar. But Eala’s grit and composure proved too much to handle.
With top seed Kamilla Rakhimova already eliminated, Eala stands as the highest-ranked player left in the draw. She is seeking her third career ITF title and will face American Kayla Day (world No. 418) in the semifinals scheduled Friday night (Saturday morning, Philippine time)./PN
