Alex Eala inches closer to US Open main draw

FILE–Alex Eala of the Philippines reacts during her women’s singles qualifying match against Emiliana Arango of Colombia during the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 18, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Megan Briggs/Getty Images/AFP

MANILA, Philippines—Alex Eala moved closer to making her first appearance in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament.

Eala overcame Australian bet Maddison Inglis in three sets, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1, in the first round of the US Open qualifying on Wednesday (Manila time).

The 19-year-old Eala brushed off a subpar second set with a dominant third set showing. With the victory, Eala needs just two more wins to reach the main draw.

READ: Alex Eala excited ahead of first US Open campaign as a pro

The road, however, won’t be any easier for the Filipino tennis ace.

Up next for Eala is a clash with Spain’s Nuria Parrizas-Diaz, who’s seeded 15th in the competition, on Thursday.

Eala, ranked No. 148 in the WTA, is coming off back-to-back ITF quarterfinal appearances in the US.

American sensation Coco Gauff is the defending US Open champion.