Down a set and break, Eala overcomes Zheng in Washington debut win

Alexandra Eala secured a comeback victory in her debut at the Mubadala DC Open in Washington D.C. on Tuesday. Playing against Zheng Qinwen, Eala faced a deficit after losing the first set and falling behind by a break in the second. She managed to turn the match around by winning seven consecutive games, which allowed her to force a decider and establish a commanding 4-0 lead. The final score settled at 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in favor of the World No. 28.

The match marked a significant moment for the tournament. Tournament chairman Mark Ein noted that ticket requests for the event were dominated by fans seeking to see Eala play. According to organizers, approximately 80 percent of inquiries mentioned her, highlighting her influence as an icon in the Philippines and abroad. The crowd at the Stadium Court showed clear support, with many supporters displaying national flags during the match.

Following this result, Eala levels her head-to-head record against Zheng at 1-1. This victory earns her a spot in the next round where she will face the reigning champion, Leylah Fernandez. Fernandez advanced to this stage after a straight-sets win against Magda Linette on Monday. The upcoming match between Eala and Fernandez provides an opportunity for Eala to compete against a top-tier opponent in a rematch from their previous encounter in Stuttgart earlier this year.