(CNN Philippines, January 9) — Alex Eala made an early exit in the 2023 Australian Open after losing to Japan’s Misaki Doi, 4-6, 7-6 (1), 6-3, in the first round of the women’s singles qualifying draw in Melbourne on Monday.
In her professional grand slam debut, the 17-year-old Eala showed her true potential in the early going as she won the first set with ease and composure.
Eala wasted her position to go for a sweep as she struggled to match Doi’s experience, who completed the come-from-behind victory in the second set.
The 31-year-old Doi, who has a career-high world ranking of No. 30, needed two hours and 37 minutes to beat Eala.
It has been a sluggish start of the year for Eala, who also bowed out of the second round qualifying draw in the W60 Canberra in Australia a week ago.
