By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Alex Eala continued her impressive run on grass after defeating World’s No. 22 Donna Vekic of Croatia, 7-5, 6-4, in the opening round of the Berlin Open on Wednesday night, June 17 (Philippine time).

The No. 35 ranked Filipina tennis star needed just two sets to dispatch the former Wimbledon semifinalist and book a place in the Round of 16 of the WTA 500 tournament.

Eala displayed an efficient all-around game against the experienced Croatian, finishing with four aces and no double faults while converting four of her six break-point opportunities.

The 21-year-old also won 77 total points compared to Vekic’s 69 and claimed 13 games overall against her opponent’s nine.

After a tightly contested opening set, Eala broke through late to secure a 7-5 advantage.

She then maintained control in the second set, earning another crucial break on her way to a 6-4 victory.

Match statistics showed Eala winning 47 service points and 30 receiving points.

She also strung together a maximum run of five consecutive games during the contest.

Vekic, a former Olympic silver medalist and one of the tour’s established grass-court players, managed just two breaks from 14 opportunities and was unable to capitalize on several chances to turn the match around.

This was Eala’s third victory against Vekic after previously winning against her in the ASB Classics in New Zealand and 35th Kooyong Classic earlier this year./ASC, WDJ