By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense tennis standout Alex Eala opened her campaign at the 2026 Queen’s Club Championship in impressive fashion after defeating China’s Zhang Shuai, 6-3, 6-2, in the Round of 32 in the United Kingdom on Tuesday, June 9 (Philippine time).

Eala, currently ranked 33rd in the world, needed just two sets to dispatch the experienced Chinese player and book her place in the next round of the WTA 250 grass-court tournament.

The 21-year-old controlled much of the match, winning 69 total points compared to Zhang’s 47.

Eala also dominated on serve, firing three aces while committing only one double fault.

Despite landing a lower first-serve percentage at 70 percent against Zhang’s 85 percent, Eala was more effective when her first serve went in, winning 68 percent of those points.

She also claimed 56 percent of points on her second serve.

Eala capitalized on five of her 12 break-point opportunities, while limiting Zhang to just two breaks from seven chances.

The Filipina’s aggressive play was reflected in her 29 receiving points won, and 40 service points won, helping her capture 12 games overall compared to Zhang’s five.

With the victory, Eala moves on to the Round of 16 as she continues her preparations for the grass-court season and the upcoming Wimbledon Championships./ASC, WDJ