PH’s Alex Eala Secures 4th ITF Title With Commanding Victory At W25 Roehampton

Rising tennis star Alex Eala from the Philippines showcased her exceptional talent again as she clinched her fourth International Tennis Federation (ITF) title at the W25 Roehampton tournament. Eala left her mark on the final by overpowering Arina Rodionova of Australia with a score of 6-2, 6-3 in London on Sunday, August 13 (Philippine time).

From the outset, Eala demonstrated her prowess by establishing an early 3-0 lead in both sets, setting the tone for her dominant performance against the world No. 166 and second-seeded Rodionova. Eala’s aggressive playstyle and unwavering determination kept her ahead throughout the match.

When Eala found herself with a comfortable 5-2 lead in the second set, Rodionova mounted a resilient effort to salvage her chances at the title. The 33-year-old Aussie battled fiercely, saving crucial points and narrowing the gap. However, Eala’s unyielding resolve ultimately proved insurmountable, and she sealed her victory after an intense one hour and 57 minutes of play.

Eala’s triumph was even more special as it coincided with her parents’ 25th anniversary. In an emotional gesture, she dedicated the victory to her family, posting on her Facebook account, “🏆ITF Pro Title #4!! Just in time for my parent’s 25th Anniversary tomorrow! Love you, Mom and Dad,” accompanied by heartwarming photos of her family present at the match.

This victory marked Eala’s fourth ITF title and second of the year, following her previous win at W25 Yecla in June. Notably, she achieved a remarkable feat by clinching two championships in a single year, a testament to her consistent excellence and dedication to the sport.

Eala, the first Filipino to secure a Grand Slam singles title, has steadily built her legacy. Her earlier ITF crowns were earned at the W15 Manacor in 2021 and W25 Chiang Rai last year. As a product of the Rafael Nadal Academy, Eala has been making waves in the tennis world and has climbed to the Women’s Tennis Association No. 250 ranking.

Throughout her campaign in London, Eala exhibited remarkable skill and resilience. Her journey to the title saw her overcome tough opponents, including Australian players in the initial rounds. She triumphed over qualifier Gabriella Da Silva Fick with a score of 6-3, 6-4 in the first round. In the second round, she faced her doubles partner, Destanee Aiava, and secured a hard-fought victory with a final score of 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.

Eala’s path to the championship continued with a stunning upset over the top-seeded Priscilla Hon in the quarterfinals, where she emerged victorious with a score of 6-2, 6-4. In the semifinals, she demonstrated her mental fortitude by overcoming the No.3 seed, Arianne Hartono of the Netherlands, in a grueling three-set match, concluding with a score of 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-1.

With her exceptional performance at the W25 Roehampton, Alex Eala has firmly established herself as a rising star in the tennis world, leaving fans eagerly anticipating her future accomplishments on the court.