Manila: Filipino Alexandra Eala rallied past Chinese wild card Zheng Qinwen, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, Tuesday (US time) to kick off her Mubadala DC Open campaign in Washington, USA.
According to Philippines News Agency, Eala won seven consecutive games to take the second set and dominated the decider to secure the match over Zheng, a former No. 4 now ranked No. 123 on the WTA Tour. The 2025 Southeast Asian Games singles gold medalist showcased her determination in all her matches.
"I think it's definitely a mindset that you have. That being said, I think it's been trained or I've practiced. I've had more experience now to implement that mindset at the higher level," the 21-year-old Eala was quoted as saying in a WTA official website news release. She highlighted the progress in her tennis skills, attributing it to her mindset and experience, which helped her avenge her previous semifinal loss at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
The World No. 28 Eala will next face seventh seed Leylah Fernandez, a 6-1, 6-4 winner over Polish Magda Linette. Fernandez, a Filipino-Canadian, won the tournament last year after defeating Anna Kalinskaya, 6-1, 6-2, in the final.
Meanwhile, Italian Elisabetta Cocciareto outlasted Danish Carla Tauson, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (2), to advance in the second round against No. 8 seed Emma Navarro of USA. Navarro took a first-round bye along with No. 1 Jessica Pegula of USA, No. 2 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine, No. 3 Naomi Osaka of Japan, No. 4 Diana Shnaider, and No. 5 Anna Kalinskaya.
Sixth seed Madison Keys of USA lost to Liudmila Samsonova, 6-3, 4-6, 4-6.
