Skid continues as Eala suffers another early exit in Birmingham Open

Sports

ALEX Eala’s struggles continued when she crashed out early yet again in the Lexus Birmingham Open on Tuesday, June 3 (early Wednesday, Philippine time).

The 20-year-old Eala, seeded third in this Women’s Tennis Association (WTA125) event, bowed to Czech rival Linda Fruhvirtova, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 6-1.

The loss came after Eala was eliminated early in the singles of the Birmingham Open in Great Britain. She and Swiss partner Rebeka Masarova were also eliminated early in the doubles.

Eala also suffered an early exit in the singles and doubles of the French Open.

Against Fruhvirtova, Eala started hot but faded in the end.

The hard-serving Fruhvirtova proved too much for Eala as she tallied 10 aces in the three-hour match.

After narrowly losing the first set, Eala, ranked No. 73 in the world, raced to a 2-0 lead in the second set. She sustained the momentum en route to tying the match.

What looked like a tight finish turned into a one-sided affair as Fruhvirtova asserted her might, decisively winning the third set for the convincing victory.(CCM)