Metro Manila, Philippines – Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala advanced to the third round of the Italian Open after sweeping world No. 33 Wang Xinyu of China, 6-4, 6-3, on Friday, May 8.

Trailing early in the contest at 0-3, Eala – ranked 42nd in the world – fought back hard to tie it at 3-3 before winning consecutive games to grab the first set victory.

With momentum on her side, Eala had a better start in the second set as she dictated the tempo throughout the contest which lasted for an hour and 26 minutes.

Eala exacted revenge against Wang, who defeated her in three sets back in January when they met at the ASB Classic in New Zealand.

Eala will next battle the winner of the match between world No. 2 Elena Rybakina and Maria Sakkari in the Round of 32.