Alex Eala Fires Career-High 9 Aces in Dramatic Tokyo Open Comeback
Filipino tennis player Alex Eala secured a comeback victory against Talia Gibson at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo. Eala credited her win to improved serving, including a career-high nine aces, and a resilient mental approach.
Why it matters
Eala's performance marks a significant milestone in her professional development and highlights her rising status in the international tennis circuit.
Alex Eala found her serve when she needed it most. Then she found another gear.
The 21-year-old Filipina delivered nine aces and stormed back from a set down to defeat Australia's Talia Gibson, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0, on Wednesday at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.
Eala, seeded eighth and ranked No. 19 in the world, overcame a shaky opening set to reach her first quarterfinal of the Asian swing. She needed 1 hour, 53 minutes to turn a difficult afternoon into one of her most convincing finishes of the season.
And her improved serving was a big reason why.
Eala struck nine aces, an exceptional total for a player whose serve has often been considered a weakness.
She landed 71% of her first serves and won 66% of those points. More importantly, she protected her delivery when the match began slipping away.
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