Alex Eala ends W80 French tourney with a semifinal finish

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala wrapped up her W80 Poitiers tournament held in France with a semifinal finish after falling at the hands of Belgium’s Ysaline Buenaventure- 6.1, 3.6, 6.3- last October 29, 2022.

Despite a resilient fight back in a highlight-filled second set, Eala was unable to carry her momentum in the decider against the more experienced veteran from Belgium.

Bonaventure stepped up her service game that showed a vast difference in the points tally after collecting a total of eight aces.

Every time the Belgian tactician lands a solid first service, a high-percentage follow-up always punished Eala in the net area during the first set.

Eala and her camp adjusted in the second set and anticipated Bonaventure’s services better and became more comfortable during the head-on rallies.

Midway in the set, Eala finally picked up her offensive rhythm and scored three consecutive forehand bombs that pumper her up while screaming with emotions.

Eala had a decent start in the third and final set but Bonaventure’s offensive flexibility shadowed the Filipina’s baseline prowess that set her edge in the final crucial stretch of the duel.

Unfortunate errors also prevented the young Filipina from breaking Bonaventure’s service possession in the last few possessions and ended her French tour in the semifinals.

It was a hot start for Eala during her opening campaign in the W80 Poitiers tournament after sweeping her first two opponents before facing Bonaventure.

Eala headed to the semifinals with a clean record and failed to give up a single set against Diana Martynov in the first round and Vitalia Diatchenko in the next stage.

The leftie power-hitter will have the chance to clinch another championship title when she travels to Great Britain for the W100 Shrewsbury tournament.