Alex Eala storms into Guadalajara 125 Open semifinals

MANILA – Filipino tennis star Alex Eala secured a spot in the Guadalajara 125 Open semifinals after dispatching Italy’s Nicole Fossa Huergo, 7-6 (2), 6-2, Friday morning (Manila time) at the Panamerican Tennis Center in Zapopan, Mexico.

The world No. 75 and second seed Eala displayed composure under pressure, especially in the opening tiebreak, before dominating the second set. She now sets up a semifinal clash against American Kayla Day, who earlier toppled third seed and world No. 84 Emiliana Arango of Colombia, 7-5, 6-2.

Eala’s road to the semis included victories over Dutch Arianne Hartono (6-2, 6-2) in the first round and American Varvara Lepchenko (6-7 [3], 7-6 [3], 6-3) in the second round.

On the other side of the draw, Russia’s Maria Kozyreva will face Hungary’s Panna Udvardy in the second semifinal. Kozyreva ousted American Alana Smith in straight sets, while Udvardy stunned fourth seed Francesca Jones of Great Britain in a three-set battle.

Defending champion and top seed Kamilla Rakhimova of Russia suffered a shock first-round exit against 2020 Australian Open Junior champion Victoria Jimenez Kasintsev of Andorra, 1-6, 6-7 (2).

Eala, aiming for another milestone in her career, remains in strong contention for the Guadalajara crown.