WASHINGTON, D.C. — Alex Eala rallied from a set down to defeat China’s Zheng Qinwen, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, on Tuesday and advance to the Round of 16 of the Mubadala DC Open.
Playing in her first tournament of the North American hard-court season, Eala recovered after trailing 4-3 in the second set. The Filipina world No. 28 won three consecutive games, including two service breaks, to force a deciding set.
Eala dominated the third set, racing to a 4-0 lead before Zheng broke serve for her lone game. Eala responded with another break and served out the match to seal the comeback victory.
“[My coach] said that I have to keep going because if I’m there every ball, I’ll have my chances. And I did. Like always, he’s right,” Eala said.
Eala initially took a 2-0 lead in the opening set before Zheng fought back to claim it. The Filipina also moved ahead early in the second set before taking control late to extend the match.
The victory avenged Eala’s semifinal loss to Zheng at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games and marked their first meeting on the WTA Tour.
Eala will next face defending champion and seventh seed Leylah Fernandez of Canada in the Round of 16 of the WTA 500 tournament.
Eala also thanked the large Filipino crowd that supported her in her Washington debut.
“I think the community here in DC is amazing. I think there was a great atmosphere for both players, and I’m really happy with my win today,” she said.