MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala topped Zhang Shuai, 6-3, 6-2, at the WTA 500 HSBC Championships first round (round of 32) in London, England late Tuesday night in Manila, forging a rematch against her close friend Iva Jovic in the second (round of 16).
Eala started rather slow as she fell to a 0-2 deficit, but took control from there as she finished strong with three straight games won including the eighth game of the second set where she held serve.
World No. 33 Eala thus got another shot at No. 19 Jovic who defeated her in their French Open first round encounter, 4-6, 2-6, on May 26.
Jovic topped Antonia Ruzic in their first round clash, 6-3, 6-4, also on Tuesday.
