Alex Eala rallied from a set down to beat Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 at the Mubadala DC Open on July 28.
The 21-year-old Filipina, ranked world No. 28, secured her first WTA Tour win over Zheng after two hours and 26 minutes. Eala won nine of the last 10 games and broke serve six times despite facing 14 aces from her opponent.
The victory avenged Eala's loss to Zheng in the 2023 Asian Games semifinals. She will next face defending champion Leylah Fernandez in the round of 16.
“I’m really happy with my win today,” Eala said after the match. She added that recovery is her priority ahead of the next match.
Eala credited advice from coach Joan Bosch, noting he told her to stay in every point to create chances.
