TENNIS

Filipina tennis standout Alex Eala’s Wimbledon singles debut concluded with a first-round loss to defending champion Barbora Krejčíková, with the final score at 3-6, 6-2, 6-1, on Centre Court Tuesday evening (Manila time).

Krejčíková, who had withdrawn from the Lexus Eastbourne Open quarterfinals last week due to injury, demonstrated her prowess against the World No. 56 Eala in the latter two sets.

Eala began the match strongly, recovering from an early 1-2 deficit to seize a 5-2 lead by winning four consecutive games. Although Krejčíková managed to secure the eighth game after a series of deuces, Eala ultimately took the first set, 6-3, putting her within one set of advancing.

However, the Czech champion then found her rhythm, establishing a commanding 5-0 lead in the second set by varying her offensive strategies. Eala managed to win the next two games, but Krejčíková proved too dominant, closing out the set.

In the third set, Eala’s relative inexperience at this level appeared to show as Krejčíková dictated the pace, quickly going up 3-0. The 20-year-old Asian Games double bronze medalist, however, showed resilience, winning the fourth game to narrow the gap to 1-3. Despite Eala’s late efforts, Krejčíková maintained control to secure the victory.

Krejčíková will now advance to face either World No. 66 Caroline Dolehide or World No. 94 Arantxa Rus in the second round.

Eala is still set to compete in Wimbledon’s doubles’ division, where she is partnered with Eva Lys. Their first match is scheduled against Olga Danilovic and Anastasia Potapova on Wednesday (Manila time).