Alex Eala pulls off double win, advances to ASB Classic quarterfinals
Alex Eala is advancing to the quarterfinals of the ASB Classic after defeating Croatia's Petra Marčinko with a decisive win.
The Pinay tennis ace secured her win against the world's No. 82 Marčinko with a 6-0, 6-2 score during the nearly three-hour Thursday match in Auckland, New Zealand.
"I feel amazing. I'm so happy with how I was able to compete and handle the different situations in court; It's never easy to play Petra. She's obviously a very good player, and she's been doing really well, so I'm happy with how I played and how I handled it," she said.
"I think every start of the year comes differently. New year, new story, and that goes for everybody, I think. I’m happy with how I’m starting,” Eala added.
This win marks her fourth time reaching quarterfinals in her professional career. She previously reached the quarterfinals in the Suzhou Open.
Other than defeating Marčinko, Eal and USA's Iva Jovic came victorious from the Jan. 8 doubles match, defeating foes Jesika Malečková of the Czech Republic and Renata Zarazúa of Mexico via walkover.
She is now set to face Poland's Magda Linette, who defeated unseeded Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto. While she and Jovic will compete against China's Xu Yifan and Yang Zhaoxuan.
ASB Classic, formerly Auckland Open, is part of the WTA 250 Tournament. The semis are happening on Friday, Jan. 9.
