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| Alex Eala's biggest win of the year so far came against another world number two. Richard Esguerra (file photo) |
MANILA—Another year, another world number 2 falling to Alex Eala.
For the second straight year, Eala took down the second best player in the WTA rankings, this time shocking Elena Rybakina in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4, in the second round of the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Berlin Tennis Open early Friday (Philippine Time).
The huge win came 15 months after Eala sent then world number two Iga Swiatek, currently at number three, in the Miami Open quarterfinals that sparked the Filipina ace's road to superstardom.
While Rybakina showed her service prowess once more as evidenced by 13 aces, Eala proved that she can counter her serves, outscoring her Kazazh foe in receiving points, 27-22.
She also made the most of the break point opportunities, winning three in her first six tries, including one in Game 11 of Set 1 that broke a 5-5 tie and another in Game 3 of Set 2 that eventually put her 3-1 up.
Eala had a chance to seal the match via break point in Game 9 of Set 2, but Rybakina saved the break point and eventually took the game after scoring three straight points.
Eala held serve in Game 10 as Rybakina's fate was sealed with a net ball infraction.
Eala also prevailed in the service game with 45 service points won, featuring four aces, against Rybakina's 42.
Eala took advantage as well of Rybakina's struggles with her second serve, winning 19 return points out of her opponent's second serves.
Up next for world number 35 Eala is world number eight Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals.
This will be both players' first showdown in singles action, although Eala, along with Iva Jovic beat Svitolina, together with Venus Williams, in doubles competition earlier this year.
