By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Will Alex Eala deliver another virtuoso performance just like what she did in her historic triumph in the Guadalajara Open over the weekend?
As fans are praying – some are even clamoring – for an encore, the country’s newest sporting idol needs to stay focused and resilient if she is to big one at the start of the Sao Paulo Open in Brazil on Wednesday, Sept. 10 (Philippine time).
Having whetted her winning appetite, Eala is favored heavily against French qualifier Yasmine Mansouri in their 4:30 a.m. duel.
And Eala’s legion of fans is sure to wake up early for this match many expected to be just a walk in the part for the Filipina ace.
Though seeded third, Eala is not taking her rival lightly, knowing full well anything can happen in the WTA250 tournament with some seeking attention.
For one, it offers more ranking points than the WTA125-level Guadalajara event, giving her significant opportunity to gain more accolades.
A victory for Eala would set her up a Round of 16 meeting with Argentinean Julia Riera, who edged Vitalia Diatchenko, 6-3, 7-6 (1).
Backed by her recent feat and higher ranking at No. 61, Eala holds the advantage against Mansouri on paper.
The 24-year-old Frenchwoman is currently ranked No. 380 in the world although she reached a career-high No. 314 last February.
Mansouri has also yet to win a WTA crown, although she has won five singles and 14 doubles titles in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) circuit.
In this tournament, Mansouri had to go through the qualifiers, winning over local contenders Ana Cruz (6-3, 6-2) and Thaisa Grana Pedretti (6-2, 6-4) to earn a spot in the main draw.
Eala, meanwhile, owns five ITF singles and three doubles titles, and has amassed more experience on the WTA Tour. She has competed — and won — against some of the world’s top players, including Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek.
The tournament also saw some upset wins this early, including Indonesian Janice Tjen’s 6-2, 6-3 shock victory over seventh seed Leolia Jeanjean.
Three-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist and fourth seed Ajla Tomljanovic also retired from her match against Victoria Rodriguez after trailing 4-6, 2-4.
