Eala Storms Back in Washington Opener

Comeback victory in Washington

Alexandra Eala produced a gutsy fightback to win her opening match at the Mubadala DC Open, rallying past Zheng Qinwen 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in an impressive debut performance in the American capital.

Having dropped the first set, the Filipino youngster dug deep to level the contest before running away with the decider. She now faces reigning champion Leylah Fernandez, who eased past Magda Linette in her own first-round outing.

Doubles sacrifice pays off

Eala had been due to partner Venus Williams in the doubles draw but pulled out shortly before the tournament got underway. Diana Shnaider stepped in as her replacement.

Williams spoke warmly of their time together at Bad Homburg, where the pair reached the quarter-finals. Eala, however, said she needed to channel all her energy into singles and could not give doubles the commitment it deserved.

Roddick backs the decision

Andy Roddick voiced his approval of Eala's call, arguing that safeguarding her body and prioritising singles was the smart move. Teaming up with a legend like Williams is undeniably appealing, Roddick acknowledged, but players must know when to protect themselves.

On this evidence, the gamble looks shrewd. Eala's singles form suggests she made exactly the right call.