A SHOT at redemption at last from consecutive stumbles, Alexandra “Alex” Eala shoots for a breakthrough quarterfinal stint in the Asian swing against a familiar foe in Australia’s Talia Gibson at the WTA 500 Toray Pan Pacific in Tokyo, Japan.
It’s the first meeting for the 21-year-old Pinay and the 22-year-old Aussie in the women’s pro circuit slated at the Ariake Tennis Forest Park at a still-to-be-determined court and match time after their two encounters back in their juniors days at the ITF.
And if that would be the basis, Ms. Eala is heavily favored to reassert mastery on Ms. Gibson after a 2-0 record in the ITF — on top of her advantage in the world rankings.
Ms. Eala, world No. 19, swept WTA No. 38 Ms. Gibson in the W40 Palma del Rio, 6-3, 6-1, in Spain in June 2023 before pulling off 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 comeback win in the W25 Aldershot in England.
It’s also Ms. Eala’s first time as a pro in Tokyo, making it a perfect chance to finally right her ship after a slew of massive stunners in three previous tournaments, including as the 20th Asian Games’ (Asiad) No. 1 seed in the same country last month.
But for Ms. Eala, the only way is forward, staying gracious in every bump and turn of her just blooming career as part of her growth and learning along the long, winding journey.
“I don’t think comfort is the right word but it’s definitely the trait that I value — learning how to be gracious in defeat. That’s something that was really pushed by my parents and family. I try to be as strong in that (aspect) as I possibly can,” said Ms. Eala.
“In the end, it makes you come out of the other end stronger. And that makes you a better player and a better person. Losses come, they always do but the way you handle yourself in those moments can really set the tone on how you can improve afterwards.”
Ms. Eala gained a shot at that redemption after finally dodging an upset in Round 1 of the Tokyo tournament.
As the No. 8 seed in the 500-level tour, Ms. Eala trounced No 411. Mika Stojsavljevic of Great Britain, 6-1, 6-2, in only 75 minutes of play. Ms. Gibson, for her part, also advanced with ease after a 6-0, 7-5 win over compatriot Daria Kasatkina.
Ms. Eala never lost a serve in the methodical win, allowing just three games to the lower-ranked and wildcard foe, for a stark contrast of her showing against similar opponents in the last three tournaments.
As the No. 3 seed, Ms. Eala fell prey to No. 123 Tatiana Prozorova of Russia in the WTA 500 Singapore Open Round of 16 and exited in Round 1 of the WTA 1000 Wuhan Open in China as the No. 13 seed after bowing to No. 162 Han Shi of China.
Ms. Eala, as the top seed and heavy title favorite without No. 1 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, reigning champion and Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen of China and No. 18 Naomi Osaka of Japan, also settled for bronze in the Nagoya Asiad after folding to No. 82 Xiyu Wang of China.
She had a Round of 16 finish in the WTA 500 Ningbo Open in China last week but to a higher-ranked opponent in world No. 13 and No. 6 seed Diana Shnaider of Russia, 7-5, 6-4.
In Tokyo, Ms. Eala is out to finally flip the script for a maiden Last 8 finish in the WTA leg closer to home.
“First time ko maglaro as a WTA dito sa Tokyo kasi ITF lang dati. I will just try to focus on every schedule and every game and try to get the work done. It’s very normal to have different moments during the year. The season is very long so with my team and the work we put in, I can maintain a level of confidence throughout,” she beamed.
With Filipina-American star Desirae Krawczyk, Ms. Eala was also listed to play in the Tokyo doubles but pulled out at the last minute with Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan and Liudmila Samsonova of Russia taking their place against the Taiwanese-Japanese duo of Chan Hao-Ching and Miyu Kato. — John Bryan Ulanday