Alex Eala Shocks No. 3 To Secure W25 Roehampton Final Spot
4 min read
Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala showcased her unwavering determination and remarkable skills as she triumphed over third seed Arianne Hartono from the Netherlands in a thrilling semifinal clash at the Roehampton W25K GB Pro Series in Great Britain.
Eala’s impressive performance resulted in a hard-fought three-set victory, with a final score of 7-6 (7-4), 2-6, 6-1, ultimately earning her a spot in the much-anticipated final.
“So excited to be in my second final of the year and first ever final here in London,” she wrote on her Facebook.
The 18-year-old Eala faced an early challenge as her opponent, the 27-year-old Hartono, seized an early lead by breaking Eala’s serve twice, establishing a 4-1 advantage in the first set. Undeterred by the initial setback, Eala demonstrated her resilience and tactical prowess by mounting a remarkable comeback, clinching four consecutive games and taking the lead at 5-4. The intense battle culminated in a closely contested tiebreak, which saw Eala emerge victorious with a score of 7-4.
Hartono, a distinguished former US NCAA Division I champion and top female collegiate tennis player in the US in 2018, rallied back in the second set, leveling the match. However, Eala swiftly regained momentum in the decisive third set, securing an early break and establishing a 2-0 lead. Although Hartono managed to hold serve in the third game, Eala’s determination proved insurmountable as she surged ahead, securing an impressive sweep of the remaining games to clinch the victory after a grueling battle lasting 2 hours and 32 minutes.

Eala’s remarkable journey through the tournament saw her face off against the top three seeds, a testament to her exceptional skills and resilience on the court. Eala won significantly over top seed Priscilla Hon of Australia in the quarterfinals.
As the anticipation for the final continues to build, Eala is set to face Russian-born second seed Arina Rodionova of Australia. The seasoned 33-year-old player boasts an impressive tennis career, with notable accomplishments including reaching the second round of prestigious Grand Slam tournaments such as the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
With a chance to secure her fourth professional singles title and second of the year, Eala is undoubtedly eager to step onto the court and showcase her remarkable talent again. The young tennis sensation’s relentless pursuit of excellence and determination to make her mark in the international tennis arena continues to captivate fans and inspire aspiring athletes worldwide.
Eala’s presence in the final reflects her dedication to honing her skills and embracing challenges head-on, underscoring her status as a rising star in tennis. As she prepares to take on her formidable opponent in the championship match, Eala’s supporters eagerly await another exhilarating display of her unparalleled talent and fierce competitive spirit.