Alexandra “Alex” Eala fell short against American Claire Liu in the Round of 32 at the Guangzhou Open, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, in China.

After dominating the first set, Eala built an early 4-2 lead in the second before Liu rallied to force a deciding set.

In the third, Eala held a 3-1 advantage, but Liu fought back to level the set. The World No. 53 briefly reclaimed the lead at 4-3, only for Liu to draw even once again and eventually seal the win.

This marks Eala’s second consecutive first-round exit in a tournament’s main draw, following her early loss at the Japan Women’s Open last week, where she fell to eventual finalist Tereza Valentova.

Eala, however, remains in contention in the doubles tournament. She will team up with Nadiia Kichenok to face the duo of Tang Qianhui and Emily Appleton. (GMA Integrated News)