The other day, Alex Eala came close to claiming the biggest singles title of her young career at the Eastbourne Open. She fell just short, bowing in the final set following a 22-point tiebreaker that saw Maya Joint ultimately validating a 14-place superiority in world rankings. That said, it was a match that showcased her growth, maturity, and resilience in the sport — and particularly on a surface she has yet to master. For nearly two and a half hours under overcast skies and breezy conditions, she proved up to the task mentally and physically. Never mind that it was her first appearance in a final at the ATP 250 level; if nothing else, it showed just how far she has come.
Eala was tentative in the first set, but knew well enough to make adjustments en route. She found her rhythm in the second, breaking Joint three times and taking full control of the exchanges. Her footwork improved, her timing sharpened, and she began dictating play with the confidence of a tour regular. She may be only 20, but she looked composed under pressure, drawing on the same skill set and self-confidence that powered her deep run at the Miami Open earlier this year.
In the third set, Eala once again built momentum and even served within striking distance of the title; at both 5-4 and 6-5, she was two points from a podium finish. However, Joint was equally resolute, and a tiebreak followed — tense, back-and-forth, and full of big moments. She held her ground, showing grit and composure, and, in fact, had four chances to win. In retrospect, it was a heartbreaking finish, but one that highlighted her promise all the same.
Though visibly emotional after the match, Eala had every reason to hold her head high. She went toe-to-toe with a WTA champion, handled the pressure of a high-stakes final, and proved that her game continues to evolve at the international level. Grass remains tricky for many players, especially those still relatively wet behind the ears, but Eala showed she could adapt quickly. With Wimbledon now on the horizon, she brings with her a steely determination backstopped by valuable experience. If her performance at the Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club is any indication, she’s more than merely knocking on the door; she’s getting ready to walk through it.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.