Alex Eala books DC Open semi-final spot with straight-sets victory over Elina Svitolina

The 20-year-old Filipina claimed another victory over the Ukrainian, producing a composed display to wrap up the contest in straight sets.

The opening set was evenly balanced at first as the pair traded games before Eala broke the deadlock by holding serve for a 4-2 advantage. Although Svitolina narrowed the gap to 4-3, Eala finished the set strongly, taking the next two games to secure it 6-3.

Svitolina responded positively in the second set, racing into a 2-0 lead. Eala stopped the run by getting on the scoreboard, but the Ukrainian immediately restored her two-game cushion.

The momentum then shifted in Eala's favour. She reeled off three games in succession to edge in front at 4-3, only for Svitolina to draw level again at 4-4.

With the match in the balance, Eala produced another strong finish, claiming the final two games to close out the second set 6-4 and book her place in the last four.

"I think I came in with a great mindset today. I think I was playing really well," Eala said after the match.

"And of course, Elina hit some good shots. She was being aggressive, especially in that second set. So, I'm really happy that I was able to kind of keep my rhythm." 

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