(UPDATED) Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala advanced to the semifinals of the Birmingham Open by defeating Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew, 6-3 6-2, early Saturday morning (Philippine time).
Eala played a powerful and masterful game on the grass courts of Birmingham in securing a straight-set win over Sawangkaew.
Eala got off to a strong start, hitting the ball early and powerfully into the corners of the gorgeous grass courts.
She raced to a 5-1 lead before Sawangkaew bounced back to take two games, trailing 5-3. However, Alex kept up her intensity and closed out the first set, 6-3.
The second set saw fast-paced exchanges, with both players holding serve until 2-2.
Eala then broke through to take a 3-2 lead and never looked back.
Her court coverage was excellent, as she moved confidently on the grass, capitalized on every opportunity to go on the offensive, and scored several net winners.
Eala led 5-2 before serving out the match to finish at 6-3, 6-2.
"I ended the match feeling great—better than I started. Conditions were difficult today; it was cold and windy, so I'm happy with how I pulled through," Eala said after the win.
"I did a great job with my intensity and didn't have many dips. I tried to control the things that were in my control," she added.
Eala also acknowledged the energetic crowd that cheered for her numerous winners.
"The crowd is delightful, the club is very pretty, and it's fun to be out there on center court."
Eala said she will be ready for the semifinals on Saturday against Rebeka Masarova of Switzerland.
"It will be a tough match. She is very skillful and very powerful, so I'll do my best to recover tonight and give my all tomorrow."
Eala said she is proud of her victory and equally happy to see Southeast Asian players making their mark on the WTA Tour, noting her history with Sawangkaew, whom she faced at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
"The SEA Games has a special place in my heart. I grew up seeing her in a lot of tournaments, so to be competing here in Birmingham and playing on the WTA Tour says a lot about women’s tennis in our region."