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2026-07-29 03:47 UTC → 2026-07-30 01:30 UTC ·
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Eala wins opening match reaches quarterfinals at DC Open
After Following her historic Wimbledon fourth‑round run, Filipina opening‑round comeback victory over Zheng Qinwen, world No. 28 Alex Eala continued her North American hard‑court swing surge at the WTA 500 Mubadala D.C. Open. In Washington, D.C., she rallied from After the match, a first‑set loss to defeat former Olympic champion frosty handshake from Zheng Qinwen 4‑6, 6‑4, 6‑1, advancing to drew criticism on social media. Eala also withdrew from the doubles draw with Venus Williams, citing physical condition. In the round of 16. The victory was celebrated by a large Filipino crowd, whose sea of Philippine flags Eala said helped her focus. She will now meet 16, she upset defending champion Leylah Fernandez in 6‑2, 7‑6(1), propelling her into the next round. Tournament quarter‑finals where she will face either Elina Svitolina or qualifier Polina Kudermetova. The tournament director Mark Ein noted a surge in ticket inquiries that specifically mentioned Eala, with about roughly 80 % of recent requests asking about her matches. After the win, Eala withdrew from the doubles draw, where she had been awarded a wildcard partnership with Venus Williams, citing physical condition. A brief, chilly handshake from Zheng sparked criticism on social media and sparked ticket inquiries specifically mentioned Eala, reflecting a broader sportsmanship discussion. The match surge of Filipino fan support. Her strong showing underscores Eala’s her rising profile and the growing popularity of Asian players on the WTA tour as she looks adds momentum ahead to the National Bank Open of upcoming events in Toronto and the US Open in New York.