Photo by Mark Fredesjed Cristino/Getty Images

By Daryl Oclares

Alex Eala delivered a milestone performance in her WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open debut, defeating Russian netter Alina Charaeva, 6–1, 6–2, on Monday evening at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Photo by Mark Fredesjed Cristino/Getty Images

Photo by Mark Fredesjed Cristino/Getty Images

The 20-year-old Filipina set the tone early by claiming the opening set, 6–1, in their Round of 32 clash. After the two players split the first two games, Eala took full control, winning five straight games to seal her historic first WTA 125 set victory on home soil against world No. 163 Charaeva.

Photo by Mark Fredesjed Cristino/Getty Images

Photo by Mark Fredesjed Cristino/Getty Images

In the second set, Charaeva jumped out to an early 2–0 lead, and Eala even required a medical timeout. But the Quezon City native quickly regained her composure and went on a decisive run, winning six consecutive games to close out the match with steady baseline play and calm execution under pressure.

Photo by Mark Fredesjed Cristino/Getty Images

Photo by Mark Fredesjed Cristino/Getty Images

Photo by Mark Fredesjed Cristino/Getty Images

The straight-sets win sends Eala into the round of 16 and marks her first career victory at the WTA 125 level—achieved in front of an energized Filipino crowd at the Rizal Memorial Sports Center.