Alex Eala reminded everyone in Tokyo that a slow start is not necessarily a forecast, rallying past Australia’s Talia Gibson, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0, to reach the quarterfinals of the Toray Pan Pacific Open on Wednesday night.
The 21-year-old Filipina turned a match that initially seemed to be slipping away into a commanding display of power, precision and patience, winning the final nine games to complete a comeback in one hour and 53 minutes.
After dropping the opening set, Eala found the form and focus that had appeared elusive in recent weeks. Gibson, whose big hitting had unsettled her early, suddenly found herself on the receiving end as Eala attacked her serve, seized control of the rallies, and conceded just two games in the final two sets.
The turnaround was particularly satisfying for Eala, whose serve has drawn scrutiny. She fired a career-high nine aces against Gibson, surpassing her previous best of eight against Croatia’s Donna Vekic at the Berlin Open in June.
Eala had her chances in the opening set, including a 40-15 position in the 10th game, but Gibson fought back to take the early advantage. What followed was a reminder that resilience can be just as important as shot-making. Eala regrouped, raised her level, and left the Australian with few answers.
The victory gives Eala her first WTA quarterfinal appearance since capturing her maiden tour title at the Washington Open on August 1. It also lifts her to a career-best No. 18 in the WTA rankings, another milestone in a season of steady progress.
Her next test is third seed Diana Shnaider, who also won her second-round match in three sets. Shnaider defeated Eala in Ningbo Open last week, setting up a rematch between two of the tour’s rising talents.
The Tokyo turnaround offers Eala timely momentum as the season approaches its final stretch.
