ALEX EALA is heading to the Finals of the Guadalajara 125 Open after dispatching USA’s Kayla Day with ease in their semi-finals clash, 6-2, 6-3, early Saturday morning (Philippine Time).
Using her historic US Open stint as motivation, Eala has been in top form throughout the tournament, consistently overpowering every opponent in her path and keeping her sights set on clinching a title this year.
Demonstrating her unwavering focus and determination, the 20-year-old Filipina tennis sensation cruised past Day, dominating every aspect of the match to secure her spot in the Finals.
Cakewalk to Finals
Under the bright sun at the Grandstand Caliente, the match began as a close battle between two players eyeing a spot in the finals. Day opened with a surprise, quickly jumping to a 2-0 lead over Eala.
However, that early momentum was all the American could muster in the first set. Wasting no time, Eala strung together a series of dominant games, mounting a strong comeback to complete a reverse sweep and seal the set, 6-2.
The World No. 75 carried that momentum into the second set, quickly building a 2-0 lead of her own. Still and all, Day managed to answer back, attempting Eala’s earlier comeback by leveling the score at 2-2.
Drawing from the lessons of her US Open run—particularly the missed opportunities on break points—Eala showed growth and composure, closing out tight games with authority to reclaim control and surge ahead, 5-2.
Day wasn’t ready to bow out without a fight, managing to steal a game and trim the deficit to 3-5. But that would be her last stand, as Eala fended off a potentially crucial point and sealed the match with a composed finish.
Let’s Make HERstory
The 20-year-old Filipina standout secured her fourth straight win in the tournament—and her third in just 24 hours—keeping her momentum alive as she heads into the championship round.
This win also marks the Rafa Nadal Academy alumna’s first WTA finals appearance since her Lexus Eastbourne Open campaign in June, where she narrowly lost to Maya Joint in a thrilling finale.
Now, Eala is one win away from claiming her first WTA title as she prepares to face Hungary’s World No. 134 Panna Udvardy, who earlier defeated Russia’s Maria Kozyreva in the semifinals, 6-3, 6-4.
