Filipina tennis star Alex Eala has bowed out of the WTA 250 Japan Open after a loss to Czech teenager Tereza Valentova in the round-of-32 on Tuesday, October 14.

The 18-year-old Valentova overpowered Eala, 6-1, 6-2.

The Czech teen, currently ranked 78th by the WTA, came into the main draw as the top seed in the qualifiers where she defeated Greet Minnen (4-6, 6-4, 6-2) and Alina Charaeva (6-1, 6-2).

She now boasts a strong 43–11 win-loss record this season.

The Czech immediately took control, breaking Eala’s serve twice for a 3-0 lead in the opening set.

Despite Eala getting on the board with a series of strong forehands, Valentova’s precise serves, and aggressive baseline play proved too much, closing the set at 6-1.

In the second set, Valentova continued her momentum, using her wide serves to set up line winners and forcing Eala into errors during extended rallies.

The Filipina managed to hold serve for 3-1 after a spirited game featuring a volley winner, but Valentova once again pulled away to wrap up the match, 6-2.

Eala, who has been steadily building experience on the WTA Tour this season, will next turn her focus to upcoming tournaments in Asia as she continues her campaign to climb the world rankings. (ABS-CBN News)