Eala yields to Jovic anew, bids goodbye to HSBC Championships

History found its way of repeating itself.

Struggling to find the much-needed momentum, Filipina tennis phenom Alex Eala bowed out of the HSBC Championships after suffering a 6–2, 6–2 defeat against American youngster Iva Jovic at West Kensington, London, June 10.

The loss marked Eala’s second straight defeat to Jovic, who also bested the Filipina 6–4, 6–2, in their first salvo.

Grinding from a 4-1 deficit, Eala banked on defensive shots to match her foe’s pace, but Jovic quickly regained command and drew the first blood.

The momentum further swelled as Jovic erased Eala’s early lead, firing back-to-back aces that eventually sealed the win.

Despite the setback, Eala still maintained her world No. 33 ranking after recently capturing her first-ever title on grass in the WTA 125 Birmingham Open.

The 21-year-old netter reached the second round after debuting on a high note against Zhang Shuai with a 6–3, 6–2 drubbing.

Moving on to her next grass-court campaign, Eala shifts her focus to the upcoming Berlin Tennis Open after earning a wildcard entry, which will run from June 15 to 21