Eala moves to second round of Madrid Open

Sports

ALEX Eala booked a second-round ticket after dispatching veteran qualifier Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, 6-3, 6-3, for a strong start in the Mutua Madrid Open in style on Wednesday (Philippine time), April 22.

Currently ranked No. 44 in the world, Eala had less trouble dispoing off her Russian opponent and arranged a Round-of-64 meeting with 19th seed and world No. 1 doubles player Elise Mertens of Belgium.

The 30-year-old Mertens, ranked No. 21 in the world, will come into the match with Eala with fresher legs after earning a first-round bye.

After suffering early exits in her previous two tournaments, Eala was razor-sharp in the opening set, breaking free from a tight contest to pull ahead.

Not letting up, Eala took off to a strong start in the second round and raced to a 3-1 lead.

Pavlyuchenkova, who ranked No. 116, moved within 2-3 but Eala won the next two games to seal the match pulling away.

Eala's second-round duel with Mertens will be on Friday, April 24, at a still-to-be-determined time.(CCM)