MANILA, Philippines — Filipino tennis ace Alexandra "Alex" Eala continues her homestand at the inaugural Philippine Women's Open at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center Wednesday evening.
Eala isn't only looking for a quarterfinals entry, she's also seeking a payback win against Japanese Himeno Sakatsume in their round of 16 clash set at 6 p.m. the earliest.
Eala first fought Sakatsume at the 2023 WTA 250 Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships opening round, where the Japanese scored a 6-0, 6-3 win.
World no. 140 Sakatsume forged the rematch against no. 49 Eala after dispatching compatriot Nao Hibino in their round of 32 clash, 6-3, 7-5, Tuesday evening.
The day before, Eala advanced after ousting Russian Alina Charaeva, 6-1, 6-2, in her professional home debut.
Eala is the only home bet left in the tournament after Kaye Emana, Tennielle Madis, and Elizabeth Abarquez all got booted in the first round.