In a matchup featuring former US Open junior champions, Camila Osorio eliminated the hopes of Filipino supporters who wished to see Alex Eala claim her first WTA title.
Their inaugural encounter in the professional circuit ended in a loss for the 49th-ranked Eala, who fell in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 to Osorio during the quarterfinals of the Philippine Women’s Open on Thursday night at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
The first set evolved into a tumultuous serving contest, with momentum shifting as both competitors exchanged breaks. Early on, double faults emerged, with each player committing three, underscoring the struggle to find serving rhythm.
Nonetheless, Osorio ultimately took charge with a pivotal break in the 7th game, then maintained her advantage by holding serve to extend her lead to 5-3, creating sufficient distance to secure the first set.
The pattern continued in the second set, as Osorio and Eala kept trading breaks, with neither player able to gain control on serve during the initial four games.
Even at 4-4 after eight games and with three breaks each, the pressure intensified, but it was the world No. 84 Colombian who capitalized at the crucial moment.
Osorio executed a key break in the 9th game, then confidently served out the match in the 10th to conclude the contest and thwart Eala’s comeback attempt.
The match was closely fought, with both players evenly matched in second-serve winners at 50%. The distinction arose from first serves, where Osorio was more effective in converting winners at 59%, surpassing Eala’s 51%, which proved critical throughout the match.
Eala will next focus on the WTA 500 Abu Dhabi Open, taking place from Jan. 31 to Feb. 7.
Meanwhile, fifth seed Osorio progresses to the semifinals, where she is scheduled to compete against Solana Sierra on Friday.
Source: espn.com
