Filipina tennis star Alex Eala saw her São Paulo Open campaign come to an end on Friday, September 12, after falling to Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, 4-6, 1-6, in their quarterfinal clash in Brazil.

The 20-year-old Eala, seeded third in the tournament, got off to a strong start, racing to a 3-0 lead in the opening set with fewer errors and steady serving.

But the WTA No. 130-ranked Tjen turned the match around, firing 23 winners compared to Eala’s four.

After clawing back to level at 3-3, the Indonesian held firm under pressure to break Eala’s serve late in the set before sealing the turnaround to take it, 6-4.

Eala tried to reset in the second set, holding serve in the opening game, but Tjen’s forehand proved unstoppable.

She broke twice and dictated play with deep groundstrokes, ultimately running away with the set and the match, 6-1.

“It feels unbelievable. I was focusing on every point. We know Alex Eala can come back anytime,” said Tjen after the upset win.

She added that her improved serving made a difference: “We’ve been working on it so it’s nice that it’s coming along.”

With the victory, Tjen advanced to the semifinals of the São Paulo Open, while Eala exited in the quarterfinals after a promising start to the tournament and her recent Guadalajara 125 title win. (ABS-CBN News)