Alex Eala Falls to Lulu Sun in Jingshan Open Semifinals
Filipino tennis star Alex Eala saw her impressive run at the WTA 125 Jingshan Open in China come to an end on Saturday, September 27, after falling to New Zealand’s Lulu Sun in the semifinals. Eala, who entered the tournament as the top seed and favorite to win the championship, bowed out in a tough three-set match, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Strong Start for Eala
Eala began the match on a confident note, taking the opening set 6-3. Her aggressive baseline play and ability to dictate rallies put Sun on the defensive early on. Fans in attendance and supporters online believed the 19-year-old Filipino had set herself up for another dominant win, similar to her earlier performances in the tournament.
Turning Point in the Second Set
Momentum shifted in the second set. Eala managed to secure an early 2-0 lead, but Sun quickly responded. The New Zealand netter strung together a series of well-timed winners and broke Eala’s serve to move ahead 4-2. Despite Eala’s attempts to fight back, Sun held her ground and closed out the set 6-4, forcing a deciding third frame.
Sun Takes Control in the Decider
The final set proved decisive. Sun came out firing, breaking Eala twice to establish a commanding 4-0 lead. While Eala attempted to mount a late rally, the deficit was too steep. Sun maintained her composure under pressure and sealed the match 6-2. The victory secured Sun’s spot in the finals, where she will face Chinese home favorite Ye-Xin Ma, who upset second-seeded Talia Gibson in the other semifinal.
Head-to-Head History
The win marked Sun’s second career victory over Eala, having previously defeated the Filipino during the 2024 Wimbledon qualifiers. That earlier result hinted at the challenge Sun posed, and the semifinal in Jingshan confirmed her ability to overcome higher-ranked opponents on big stages.
Eala’s Position as Tournament Favorite
Eala’s exit came as a surprise to many, as she was the only top 100 player in the tournament and widely seen as the frontrunner to capture the title. Ranked inside the WTA’s top 100 and holding the tournament’s top seed, she was expected to dominate the field. Her status as the reigning Guadalajara Open champion only added to the anticipation that she would secure another crown. However, Sun, currently ranked world No. 146 with a career-high of No. 39, reminded everyone of her pedigree by flipping the script after a slow start.
What’s Next
While Eala’s campaign ended earlier than expected, the semifinal finish further underscores her steady rise in the professional circuit. At just 19 years old, she continues to demonstrate her ability to compete at a high level against seasoned players. Her showing in Jingshan, highlighted by straight-set wins in the early rounds, reinforces her reputation as one of the most promising young stars in women’s tennis.
For Lulu Sun, the victory sets up a chance to add another accolade to her growing career. Facing Ye-Xin Ma in the finals, she will look to carry her momentum forward after ousting the tournament’s top seed.