MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala missed out on a dream match with world singles No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka.
In line to face the Belarusian ace, the Filipina sensation stumbled right away against world doubles No. 1 Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic, 6-3, 6-1, in the opening round of the Wuhan Open yesterday.
Eala, world No. 148, showed some promise in the first set but was outclassed in the next frame for a shutout that spoiled her chance to arrange a showdown against the three-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka in the second round.