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Alex Eala couldn’t have asked for a better way to open her campaign at the Philippine Women’s Open. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, the Filipina star delivered a confident and commanding performance, brushing aside Russia’s Anastasia Charaeva in straight sets to mark a dream debut at the tournament.
From the very first game, Eala looked locked in. Her footwork was sharp, her timing precise, and her trademark left-handed forehand consistently pushed Charaeva onto the defensive. The early break of serve set the tone, and Eala never looked back. Mixing power with patience, she controlled rallies and forced errors, showing the kind of maturity that has become a hallmark of her rise on the pro tour.
The crowd at the venue responded to every big point with thunderous support, and Eala clearly fed off the energy. With each winner, the noise grew louder. With each hold of serve, her confidence soared. By the end of the first set, it was clear that Charaeva was struggling to find answers to Eala’s variety and court awareness.
The second set followed a similar script. Eala stayed aggressive on return, stepping inside the baseline and taking time away from her opponent. She broke early again and never allowed Charaeva to settle into any rhythm. Whether it was a heavy topspin forehand, a well-disguised drop shot, or a clean backhand down the line, Eala had a response for every situation.
What stood out most was her composure. Despite the pressure of playing at home and the expectations that come with being the Philippines’ brightest tennis hope, Eala looked calm, focused, and in total control of the moment. There were no rushed points, no unnecessary risks—just smart, disciplined tennis.
This win is more than just a strong start. It’s a statement. Eala isn’t just here to participate; she’s here to compete for the title. Her performance against Charaeva showed that she’s comfortable on this stage and ready to shoulder the spotlight.
As the Philippine Women’s Open continues, all eyes will remain on Alex Eala. If this opening match is any indication, fans could be in for a thrilling run from their homegrown star—one filled with confidence, class, and the kind of tennis that makes champions.
Musa
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