Alex Eala absorbs early exit in Miami Open with loss to American foe

Alex Eala's much-awaited return to the world stage proved to be short-lived after falling to home bet Madison Brengle of USA, 6-2, 6-1, in the Round of 128 of 2022 Miami Open early Thursday (Manila time).

The Filipina teen tennis ace had a flat start, falling behind 0-5 in the opening set before earning back-to-back games to keep herself within striking distance. Eala's late rally, though, was not enough as Brengle took the first frame.

Eala failed to stage an upset in the second set, getting only one game as the world no. 59 Brengle cruised to the victory, 6-1.

Eala, who ranks 565th in the world, will formally exit the tournament after the straight-sets loss.

The 16-year-old netter made her way to the prestigious tiff after booking herself a wildcard entry alongside Naomi Osaka of Japan.

Brengle, on the other hand, will move on to the Round of 64 where she will clash with Russian Liudmila Samsonova who earlier earned an opening round bye.

—JMB, GMA News