Alexandra Eala made an impressive start to her Washington campaign after defeating Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in the first round of the Mubadala Citi DC Open.
The 21-year-old Filipina recovered from a set and a break down to secure another impressive victory on the WTA Tour.
The result sends Eala into the second round, where she will face the defending champion, Leylah Fernandez.
The contest featured several turning points before Eala completed another remarkable comeback. Here’s how the match unfolded and what lies ahead in Washington.
How Alexandra Eala turned the match around
Eala made a bright start before Zheng settled into the contest and claimed the opening set 6-4. The Chinese star then moved within two games of victory after breaking Eala’s serve for a 4-3 lead in the second set.
Eala immediately recovered with a break of serve. She then won six more consecutive games to claim the second set and open a 4-0 lead in the deciding set.
Zheng earned one break of serve in the final set. Even so, Eala regained control and completed a memorable 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory in her Washington debut.
What did Alexandra Eala say after the comeback?
Following her impressive Washington debut, Eala credited her growing experience for helping her handle pressure in important moments. Rather than pointing to a single moment, she explained how her mindset has evolved through more matches against top opponents.
“I think I’ve already had that in me. I think it’s definitely a mindset that you have. I’ve had more experience now to implement that mindset at the higher level.”
The victory also leveled her overall head-to-head record against Zheng at 1-1. Zheng had won their previous meeting in a three-hour battle at the 2023 Asian Games.
Eala draws strong support in Washington, D.C
Eala’s popularity was evident even before her opening match. Citi Open DC chairman Mark Ein revealed that more than 80% of ticket inquiries before the tournament were about when the Filipina star would play.
The support was also visible on Stadium Court. Filipino fans turned out in large numbers and created an energetic atmosphere throughout Eala’s comeback victory.
What’s next for Alexandra Eala at the DC Open?
Eala will next face defending champion Leylah Fernandez in the second round. Fernandez advanced to the second round of the Mubadala Citi DC Open after defeating Magda Linette in straight sets.
Fernandez had also beaten Eala in Stuttgart earlier this season. The Washington clash allows Eala to avenge that defeat and level the season series.
The second-round contest between Eala and Leylah also features an interesting off-court connection. Fernandez is of Filipino-Canadian heritage through her mother, adding another layer of interest for fans following the matchup.
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Conclusion
Alexandra Eala opened her Washington campaign with another outstanding comeback against one of the WTA Tour’s biggest names.
Recovering from a set and a break down once again highlighted her growing maturity and resilience.
The victory also sets up an intriguing second-round clash with defending champion Leylah Fernandez.
With growing confidence, strong fan support, and another major test ahead, Eala has another opportunity to continue her impressive run at the DC Open.
