MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala edged Japanese Sara Saito in three sets, 6-1, 6-7 (1), 7-5, to start her campaign at the Singapore Tennis Open qualifiers on Saturday.
Days after her W100 Bengaluru campaign in India, Eala held the ground to escape a tough challenge against Saito in a two-hour and 41-minute duel.
Article continues after this advertisement
READ: Alex Eala reaches another career-high in WTA rankings
The 19-year-old Eala lost steam after dominating the opening set as Saito won the tight second frame to force a decider.
Eala displayed grace under pressure in the third to advance.
Article continues after this advertisement
In India, Eala lost in the round of 16 against Dalila Jakupovic, 4-6, 4-6, on Thursday.
The Rafael Nadal Academy product recently achieved her career-high in the Women’s Tennis Association world ranking, rising to 136.