MANILA — Alexandra Eala bowed out of the women’s singles competition of the French Open after absorbing a 6-4, 6-2 first-round defeat to American teenager Iva Jovic on Tuesday night (Philippine time) in Paris, France.
Jovic, who once teamed up with the Filipina tennis star in doubles play, dictated the pace of the match from the baseline and repeatedly punished Eala’s shaky service game to complete the straight-sets victory.
The American converted six of her nine break-point opportunities, while Eala managed to capitalize on only three of her nine chances.
Jovic also dominated the statistical battle, winning 72 total points against Eala’s 53 while taking 12 games compared to the Filipina’s six.
Although Eala posted a higher first-serve percentage at 70 percent against Jovic’s 52 percent, the 20-year-old Filipina struggled to sustain points off her serve.
She won only 45 percent of points on her first serve and 41 percent on her second serve, allowing Jovic to seize momentum throughout the match.
Jovic, meanwhile, proved more efficient behind her serve, winning 70 percent of points on her first serve and 54 percent on her second serve.
The American also finished with 37 service points won against Eala’s 27 and secured six service games, double the Filipina’s output.
Eala recorded two aces and committed two double faults, while Jovic fired three aces despite tallying four double faults.
Despite the early singles exit, Eala’s campaign in Paris is not yet over as she shifts focus to the doubles tournament.
The Filipina ace and partner Victoria Mboko are set to face the tandem of Filipina-Canadian Leylah Fernandez and Diana Shnaider in the doubles competition./PN
