Eala opens São Paulo campaign with commanding straight-sets win

Alex Eala continued her hot streak, advancing to the second round of the São Paulo Open with a commanding 6-0, 6-2 win over French qualifier Yasmine Mansouri. 

The Filipina, fresh off her first WTA title, needed just one hour and 10 minutes to dominate the match, winning 34 service points and 31 return points against Mansouri’s 15.

“I did not expect so many people to come out and watch me play. I guess I was a bit lucky to be sandwiched in between two great Brazilians so I’m now just happy to be here and to be able to play well,” Eala said. 

Eala, ranked 61st in the world, expressed her delight at the support from local fans in her first visit to Brazil. 

She now faces World No. 188 Julia Riera in the round of 16, with their match scheduled for early Thursday morning (Manila time).