Can Eala make it 3-0 vs Gibson?

Alex Eala looks to maintain her dominance over world No. 38 Talia Gibson of Australia when they clash in the Round of 16 of the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old Filipina and Gibson meet for the third time in their careers, with the match schedule yet to be announced at press time in the WTA 500 tournament.

Eala defeated Gibson twice in 2023, first at the W40 Palma del Rio in Spain and then at the W25 Aldershot in Great Britain.

The world No. 20 advanced to the last 16 after sweeping world No. 278 Mika Stojsavljevic of Great Britain, 6-1, 6-2, in just 75 minutes on Monday.

Eala stressed the importance of staying focused regardless of her opponent’s ranking.

“I think it’s important to always stay focused. It was my first time playing against her, and she’s a great young player,” Eala said.

“It was a great experience for me.”

Gibson, meanwhile, advanced after routing world No. 75 and fellow Australian Daria Kasatkina, 6-0, 7-5, in their Round of 32 encounter.

A victory would earn Eala $33,475, or around P2.1 million, and a place in the quarterfinals, where she could face world No. 13 Diana Shnaider of Russia if the results fall her way.