By Joel Reyes
Alex Eala showed she can go toe-to-toe with World No. 2 Elena Rybakina despite losing the first set 4-6 in their third-round clash in the 2026 Italian Open on Sunday at BNP Paribas Arena in Rome.
Eala got off to a strong start, taking a 1-0 lead after a lengthy service hold. Rybakina responded, though, winning the next three games to grab a 3-1 lead.
Eala impressed in her next three service games, holding off Rybakina to cut the deficit to 4-5.
The defending Australian Open champion closed it out in the 10th game with her third set point to take it in 52 minutes.
Eala and Rybakina put on a show in Set 1, combining for 30 winners. The Filipina tennis star accounted for 13 of those, sending her fans at Foro Italico into a frenzy with her outstanding play.