Alex Eala kicked off her campaign in the Oeiras Ladies Open on a high note as she pulled off a 6-3, 6-4 sweep over Anouk Koevermans of the Netherlands in the round of 32 at the Centro Desportivo Nacional do Jamor in Oeiras, Portugal Tuesday evening (Manila time).

Eala, 19,  pulled off the win in one hour and 26 minutes in a match that was supposed to happen last Monday but was delayed due to heavy rain.

This is Eala's first victory after rising to No. 73 in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) rankings.

"A lot of firsts. I've done everything I could to prepare. I can't control the outcome but I can control my level on the court and how much effort I give," Eala said.

Eala will team up with world No. 80 Katie Volynets of the United States for the women's doubles in the round of 16 as they face the American duo of Carmen Corley and Christina Rosca.

Eala and Volynets will be joining forces after facing against each other in the round of 128 of the Miami Open last March where the Filipino tennis ace won, 6-3, 7-6.