Published February 5, 2021, 9:26 AM
Photo From Rafa Nadal Academy
Alex Eala dug deep in surviving German qualifier Silvia Ambrosio, 7-6 (3), 1-6, 6-3, to barge into the quarterfinals of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) W15 Manacor in Spain early Friday.
The 15-year-old PH junior bet endured a close opening-frame duel and recovered from a second-set stumble to best Ambrosio in two hours and 48 minutes.
The victory not only inched her closer to a second pro title but also set up a quarters date with Russian Oksana Selekhmeteva, a 6-4, 7-5 winner over wildcard bet Olga Helmi of Denmark.
Interestingly, the 18-year-old Selekhmeteva is a fellow junior reserve in this $15,000 tournament with a current Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) ranking of No. 611 compared to Eala’s No. 942.