Alex Eala exits Strasbourg in loss to Oliynykova

May 19 ------ Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala battled through three grueling sets but ultimately fell to Ukrainian qualifier Oleksandra Oliynykova, 6-3, 5-7, 3-6, in the first round of the Internationaux de Strasbourg in Strasbourg, France.

Playing under 16-degree cloudy conditions on Centre Court, Eala initially looked in control as she adjusted to Oliynykova’s tricky style filled with looping shots, slices, and drop shots designed to disrupt rhythm. The world no. 38 responded well early by taking the ball on the rise and redirecting pace aggressively, even producing a dropshot winner on her way to the opening hold.

Oliynykova stayed competitive throughout the first set, mixing in looping balls and forehand winners to keep Eala guessing. Still, the Filipina continued attacking every opening and held firm in key moments, including a grueling service game where she saved six break points. That resilience paid off late in the set as Eala finally earned the first break of the match with two crushing return winners for a 5-3 advantage.

Eala eventually secured the opener, 6-3, after a demanding 57-minute set, converting on her third set point while continuing to search for solutions against the Ukrainian’s unconventional style. The momentum shifted dramatically in the second set. Oliynykova began finding greater success with her variations and forced more errors from Eala, racing out to a 4-0 lead.

Eala fought hard to stay within reach, using aggressive court positioning and forward movement to claw her way back into contention. The Filipina cut the deficit to 4-2 and later earned another break to move within 4-3, showing composure despite the changing momentum. But with Eala threatening to complete the comeback, Oliynykova managed to regain control late in the set and eventually broke again to claim the second set, 7-5, forcing a deciding third set.

Eala continued to show tremendous fight in the final set, sprinting down drop shots and battling through long rallies as both players traded momentum in a tense decider. One marathon game stretched to deuce eight times before Eala finally held serve with a superb short-angle forehand crosscourt winner followed by a forehand down-the-line strike to level the set at 2-2.

The Filipina then produced some of her best shot-making of the match, taking a moon ball on the rise before charging the net for a swinging volley winner. Moments later, Eala carved out another beautiful short-angle shot to earn a crucial break for a 3-2 lead after appearing close to falling behind 1-3. However, Oliynykova steadied in the closing stages and regained control behind her variety and consistency. The Ukrainian eventually pulled away late in the third set to seal the hard-fought 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory.

The winner advances to face either Katerina Siniakova or Marie Bouzkova in the next round.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com