By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Alexandra Eala and partner Zeynep Sönmez turned in a dominant performance to advance to the Round of 16 of the Madrid Open women’s doubles, sweeping past Hao-Ching Chan and Fanny Stollár, 6-2, 6-2, in Spain on Thursday, April 23 (Philippine time).

The Eala-Sönmez tandem controlled the match from the outset on Court 7, overwhelming their opponents with consistent serving and sharp returns to wrap up the straight-sets win.

Eala and Sönmez were highly efficient on serve, combining for a 75 percent first-serve rate while not conceding a single double fault.

They won 67 percent of points on their first serve and an even more impressive 73 percent on their second serve.

In contrast, Chan and Stollár struggled to find rhythm, managing just 48 percent on first-serve points and 38 percent on second serves, while committing two double faults.

The Eala-Sönmez pair also made the most of their opportunities, converting all five of their break-point chances, compared to just 1-of-1 for their opponents.

Their return game proved decisive, as they collected 25 receiving points — nearly double the 14 of Chan and Stollár.

Eala and Sönmez dominated the overall numbers, finishing with 55 total points against 32 and doubling their opponents in games won, 12-4.

They also dictated the tempo with a remarkable run of 10 consecutive games at one stretch.

Their superiority extended to service games, winning seven compared to three by Chan and Stollár, while also tallying 30 service points to their opponents’ 18.

The emphatic victory underscores the growing chemistry between Eala and Sönmez as they continue their campaign in one of the WTA Tour’s premier clay-court tournaments./ASC, WDJ

Caption

ALEX EALA (Instagram photo)