By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense tennis star Alexandra Eala progressed to the next round of the Indian Wells Masters after American Coco Gauff retired from their Round of 32 clash in Indian Wells, California yesterday (Philippine time).

Eala, currently No. 32 in the WTA rankings, was leading 6-2, 2-0, when the fourth-seeded Gauff decided to stop play, allowing the Filipina to move forward to the Round of 16 in the prestigious tournament.

The 20-year-old Eala was in control early in the match, converting five of her six break-point opportunities and winning eight games compared to Gauff’s two before the American called it quits.

Match statistics highlighted Eala’s efficiency throughout the contest.

She recorded a remarkable 96 percent first-serve rate and avoided committing a single double fault.

The Filipina also had the upper hand in receiving points won, 25-11, and total points won, 39-25.

The Negros Occidental’s Victorias City native also won eight games overall compared to just two for Gauff before the American withdrew from the match.

The victory served as Eala’s bounce back after her 6-0, 6-2 defeat to Gauff in the quarterfinals round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships last month in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Prior to facing Gauff in Indian Wells, Eala overcame Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska in a hard-fought three-set battle in the Round of 64, 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, in a match that showcased her resilience and ability to compete against higher-ranked opponents.

However, Eala and partner Iva Jovic bowed out of the women’s doubles competition after a 6-2, 6-2 defeat to Jelena Ostapenko and Hailey Baptiste in the Round of 32 match./ASC, WDJ