Alex Eala hit a 6-3, 6 (4)-7, 6-3 win over Romania’s AICA Todoni and took the lead draw at the 2025 Lexus Nottingham Open in England on Monday.
Ms. Erra wasted a 4-2 lead in the second set, getting a thwarted scan bid, but still cared for the business in the rubber by freeing up a 4-1 last kick to reach the deal in the two-round qualifiers final.
The 20-year-old Philippine ace took more than two hours to win in Ms. Todoni’s 12 A’s, which led her to 32 duels against experienced Polish Magda Lineette in the main draw.
Ms. Eala of No. 77 WTA will give higher orders to Ms. Lineette, 33, who is No. 31 WTA and ranks sixth in the elite $250,000 tournament.
Ms. Lineette is already eligible for the main draw as Ms. Eala needs to get two wins in the qualifying round to improve.
She just does it by showing a huge calming effect in two three-disk thrillers.
Ms. Ira beat her 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the first round against France’s Varvara Gracheva, then gave another strong performance to her 20-year-old Ms. Todoni in the finale.
After the quarter-final exit at the Ilkley Open last week, it was a wonderful revenge for Ms. Eala and should help her prepare for a month’s big debut for the big debut in Wimbledon, London from June 30 to July 11.
After the French Open, Wimbledon will be the second consecutive Grand Slam tournament for Ms. Eala this year, after the WTA elite rankings top 100, qualifying in all major draws. – John Bryan Ulanday
