MANILA, Philippines—Alex Eala moved closer to making her first appearance in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament.
Eala overcame Australian bet Maddison Inglis in three sets, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1, in the first round of the US Open qualifying on Wednesday (Manila time).
The 19-year-old Eala brushed off a subpar second set with a dominant third set showing. With the victory, Eala needs just two more wins to reach the main draw.
READ: Alex Eala excited ahead of first US Open campaign as a pro
🇵🇭 Alexandra Eala battles into Round 2 of US Open qualifying! pic.twitter.com/RJ6yFzM59t
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 20, 2024
The road, however, won’t be any easier for the Filipino tennis ace.
Up next for Eala is a clash with Spain’s Nuria Parrizas-Diaz, who’s seeded 15th in the competition, on Thursday.
Eala, ranked No. 148 in the WTA, is coming off back-to-back ITF quarterfinal appearances in the US.
American sensation Coco Gauff is the defending US Open champion.