MANILA — Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra Eala squandered a one-set advantage and bowed out of the Internationaux de Strasbourg after suffering a gritty 6-3, 5-7, 3-6 defeat to Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova in the Round of 32 on Monday night.
The world No. 38 Eala looked headed for a strong opening-round victory after dominating the first set and keeping control for much of the second, but Oliynykova mounted a fierce comeback and capitalized on crucial late-game opportunities to complete the reversal.
Eala opened the match aggressively and capitalized on key break opportunities to secure the opening frame, 6-3. The 20-year-old showcased her composure from the baseline while keeping pressure on the Ukrainian with consistent returns and steady serving.
Momentum, however, shifted in the second set as Oliynykova managed to survive several tense exchanges and edged Eala in the closing games to take the set, 7-5, and level the match.
The deciding set remained competitive early on, but Oliynykova eventually found her rhythm and took advantage of crucial points down the stretch to complete the reversal with a 6-3 victory in the third set.
Despite the loss, Eala posted solid numbers throughout the nearly three-set battle. The Filipina finished with a slight edge in service points won, 61-58, and committed only three double faults compared to eight by Oliynykova. She also registered a strong 71-percent first-serve rate while winning 44 percent of her second-serve points.
Oliynykova, however, proved more efficient in pressure situations. The Ukrainian converted seven of her 23 break-point chances, while Eala managed six breaks in nine opportunities. Oliynykova also narrowly led in total points won, 115-113, and games won, 16-14.
The Ukrainian fired two aces in the match, while Eala finished without one.
The Strasbourg tournament serves as part of Eala’s preparation for the clay-court season as the Filipina continues to gain valuable experience competing in higher-level tournaments overseas.
Eala has continued her steady rise in the international rankings this year and remains one of the brightest young stars in Philippine tennis./PN
