Filipina tennis star Alex Eala advanced to the second round of the Italian Open after defeating Poland's Magdalena Fręch 6-0, 3-6, 6-4 on Wednesday evening, May 6, 2026 (Philippine time), in Rome.
Match Highlights
Eala started the match in dominant fashion, blanking Fręch in the first set. However, the momentum shifted in the second set as Fręch built a 3-1 lead. Eala managed to level the score at 3-3, but Fręch then won three consecutive games to take the set and force a decider.
The third set was a tightly contested battle, but Eala withstood Fręch's challenges to secure her first victory in the tournament.
Eala's Reaction
“I’m really proud of myself because there were so many moments, especially in the third set, where she could’ve gone really far,” Eala said, as quoted by ABS-CBN News.
Next Opponent
In the second round, Eala will face China's Xin Wang, who received a first-round bye.
