Alex Eala Scores Upset Win in First Round of 2024 Madrid Open

Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala, 18, pulled off a major upset in the opening round of the 2024 Madrid Open on Wednesday, defeating world No. 41 Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine in three sets, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. As a wild-card entry, Eala overcame a slow start and displayed immense composure to win the last two sets and clinch the victory in her debut match at the elite WTA 1000 tournament.

Despite losing the first set, Eala managed to bounce back and secure the win, expressing her joy and enthusiasm on social media. "I am so happy to get my first ever main draw win in a WTA 1000 event," Eala posted on Twitter. "It was a tough battle but I stayed focused and fought for every point." This victory could be a turning point in Eala's career, as she has faced early exits in previous tournaments.

Eala had to overcome an early deficit and Tsurenko's court mastery, but she fought back and broke Tsurenko's service to equalize the match. In the third set, Eala dominated the baseline rallies with her signature down-the-line forehand winners to secure the win. With this victory, Eala has advanced to the Round of 64 stage of the tournament in Spain.

The 18-year-old Filipina credited her positive mentality and focus for getting her through the tough moments during the match. This win is the biggest of Eala's young professional career so far, and it has boosted her career earnings to over $231,000. After the match, Eala received an inspiring hug from her father, Mike, who was watching from the stands.

Why this matters: Eala's victory in Madrid marks a significant milestone for Filipino tennis and could inspire a new generation of players from the country. As the highest-ranked Filipina in tennis history, Eala is poised to make further strides on the professional circuit and potentially qualify for the Paris Olympics.

Eala is now set to face world No. 30 Sorana Cirstea of Romania in the Round of 64 on Thursday. The rising Filipino tennis star is also preparing to compete in the French Open qualifiers at the end of the month, with the hope of securing a spot in the main draw of the Grand Slam tournament and boosting her chances of qualifying for the Paris Olympics. Eala's historic win in Madrid has generated excitement among Filipino tennis fans, who are eagerly following her progress on the professional tour.

Key Takeaways

• Filipino tennis player Alex Eala, 18, defeated world No. 41 Lesia Tsurenko in 3 sets at the 2024 Madrid Open.
• Eala overcame a slow start to win the last 2 sets and clinch her debut WTA 1000 main draw victory.
• This win is a turning point in Eala's career, as she has faced early exits in previous tournaments.
• Eala's victory marks a milestone for Filipino tennis and could inspire a new generation of players.
• Eala is now set to face world No. 30 Sorana Cirstea in the Round of 64 and aims to qualify for the French Open.