Historic Doubles Victory for Southeast Asian Duo at Abu Dhabi Open
In a remarkable display of skill and partnership, the Philippines' Alex Eala and Indonesia's Janice Tjen made a triumphant debut as a doubles team at the prestigious Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. The Southeast Asian pair showcased their resilience and talent by securing a hard-fought victory in the round of 16, held on Wednesday according to Philippine time.
A Thrilling Three-Set Battle
Eala and Tjen faced off against the formidable duo of Leylah Fernandez from Canada and France's Kristina Mladenovic. The match unfolded as a gripping three-set encounter, with the final score reading 7-5, 3-6, 10-6 in favor of the Filipino-Indonesian team. This victory not only marked their first successful collaboration but also propelled them into the doubles quarterfinals of the tournament.
The match was characterized by intense momentum shifts and dramatic comebacks. In the opening set, Eala and Tjen demonstrated their fighting spirit by clawing back from an early 0-2 deficit. They managed to hold a set point at 5-4, but their opponents pushed back, forcing a tight race to two games. Undeterred, the Southeast Asian pair clinched a crucial 11th-game victory, carrying that positive energy into the closing points of the set.
Decisive Match Tiebreak Performance
The third set featured a decisive match tiebreak, where Eala and Tjen truly shone. Despite facing a late rally from the Canadian-French team, they rattled off four consecutive points to seal the win. This clutch performance underscored their composure under pressure and highlighted their potential as a rising force in women's doubles tennis.
Singles Campaign Updates
Beyond the doubles success, Alex Eala continued her impressive run in the singles bracket. She advanced to the round of 16 after a solid 6-4, 6-3 victory over her close friend, Zeynep Sonmez of Turkey. Eala is now set to face Belarus' Aliaksandra Sasnovich in her next singles match, adding another layer of excitement to her tournament journey.
On the other hand, Janice Tjen experienced a setback in her singles campaign, bowing out earlier in the day with a 6-2, 6-2 loss to Russia's Liudmila Samsonova. However, her doubles success with Eala provides a silver lining and showcases her versatility on the court.
This achievement at the Abu Dhabi Open not only celebrates a significant milestone for Eala and Tjen but also highlights the growing prominence of Southeast Asian talent in international tennis. Their teamwork and determination serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the region.
