Alex Eala remains red-hot.
The 20-year-old Eala racked up another win Friday and it came at the expense of world No. 52 Magda Linnette of Poland, 6-3, 6-2, in their women’s singles quarterfinal round clash at the Manuka Doctor Arena in New Zealand.
Not only did Eala advance to her third Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) semifinals but it was a personal victory for her as she finally scored a victory over Linette after being beaten twice.
Linette, who rose to as high as No. 26 in the WTA ratings, first beat Eala, 7-6, 6-1, in the opening round of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Open.
Then in the Round of 32 of the Nottingham Open in England last June, Eala fell for the second time to the 33-year-old Linette, 7-6, 6-1.
“I did my best. I just do what I can. If there’s an opening, I think it’s important that I go for it,” Eala said after her revenge win over the Grand Slam veteran.
“Today was difficult, of course with Magda being such an experienced player. I’ve had difficulties with her playing serve before, but I’m happy that I’ve seen my level (of play) increased.”
Eala raced to a 4-2 lead in the first set, getting the groove in 45 minutes.
In the second set, the Southeast Asian Games gold medalist imposed her will early, breaking the Polish’s serve and establishing a 4-0 advantage.
Linette was able to extend the set after she broke back in the fifth game and held her serve in the sixth game.
But Eala won’t be denied as she won the last two games to complete the victory.
She is now set to face world No. 57 Wang Xinyu of China in the seminal on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. (Manila time).
Another victory here will set her up for a finals showdown against the winner of the other semis duel starring doubles partner and world No. 35 Iva Jovic of the United States and world No. 13 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine.
Unfortunately, Eala and Jovic weren’t able to sustain their run after a 5-7, 3-6 loss to Chinese netters Xu Yifan and Yang Zhaoxuan in the women’s doubles semifinal on the same day.
Despite getting some rest after getting a walkover against Jesika Maleckova of the Czech Republic and Renata Zarazua of Mexico in the quarterfinal, their tandem wasn’t able to break through against their Chinese foes.
In their doubles debut last Monday, Eala and Jovic posted a 7-6, 6-1 win over Elina Svitolina of Ukraine and seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams.
Still, Eala and Jovic will share a cash prize of $ 4,390 (P260,000) for their efforts.