THE magical run of Alex Eala in New Zealand has now come to an end as the Filipina tennis ace bows out of the ASB Classic tournament.
Eala had her chances to advance to the championship game but failed to deliver in the clutch, falling short against Wang Xinyu of China, in a heartbreaking 7-5, 5-7, 4-6 semifinal loss on Saturday at Center Court of the Manuka Doctor Arena in Auckland, New Zealand.
Riding from the momentum she gained all tournament long, the 20-year-old pulled off a stunning comeback in the opening set. Wang started the game red hot en route to an early 4-0 lead, but Eala found her rhythm in the nick of time to get back in the game. Alex, on the brink of dropping the first set, dropped a run for the ages by winning the next six straight games to snatch the opener from the hands of Wang.
Then came the second set, where it looked like Eala would barge into the finals after holding a 5-3 advantage, having multiple chances to close out the game. But Wang flipped the script and pulled off a run of her own.
The former world no. 32 racked up six service aces in the second frame that turned the tide of the game in her favor to successfully force a decider.
Wang dictated the pace from then on, building a 1-5 lead in the third set. The game was momentarily stopped with Eala receiving a medical timeout due to an apparent back issue.
Showcasing her never-say-die spirit, Eala put up a valiant stand in her return to the court after stringing up four straight games to mount one last rally. But the trail was just too tough for the rising Filipino star. Wang held on to win the game, setting up a final date with either Elina Svitolina of Ukraine.
Despite the loss, Eala had herself a strong campaign in the ASB Classic, also making it to the doubles semifinal stage with Iva Jovic of the United States.
In the post-game interview, Eala expressed her gratitude despite slight disappointment after being just a few points away from a finals berth. “Till my heart stops. So close yet so far.” She then gave thanks, as this was her first tournament this year. “Thank you, Auckland, for the warmest hospitality to start the year. Truly felt the wairua.”
Eala will now shift her focus to her stint at the 36th Kooyang Classic in Melbourne, Australia, which is set to start this Tuesday, January 13.
It will be the final tournament of Eala before her first WTA major event this year — the 114th Australian Open.