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Alex Eala Falls to Elena Rybakina in Italian Open Round of 32
The Philippine player lost 6-4, 6-3 to the world No. 2 on May 10, 2026 at the Foro Italico in Rome. Eala led 2-1 in the second set before Rybakina won the match in 1 hour and 32 minutes. The result marks Eala's first time reaching the third round of a WTA Tour clay event.
May 10, 4:43 PM·1m read1 source
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Alex Eala lost to Elena Rybakina 6-4, 6-3 in the round of 32 at the Italian Open on May 10, 2026. The match took place at the Foro Italico in Rome. Eala took a 2-1 lead in the second set but could not maintain it against the higher-ranked opponent. Rybakina secured the first set after nearly an hour of play.
She broke Eala in the opening game of the second set. Eala responded by breaking back and holding serve to lead 2-1 before Rybakina won five of the next six games to close out the match. The contest lasted 1 hour and 32 minutes. Rybakina recorded 28 winners and 32 unforced errors.
Eala committed 22 unforced errors while producing 17 winners.
Rybakina entered the match with a 29-6 record for the year. She is the reigning WTA Finals and Australian Open champion. The victory marked her fourth appearance in the round of 16 at the Italian Open in five visits to the tournament. The result ended Eala's run in Rome.
The Philippine player had defeated Magdalena Frech in the round of 128 and Wang Xinyu in the round of 65. This Italian Open was the first time Eala reached the third round of the main draw in a WTA Tour clay-court event. Eala will turn 21 on May 23.
She is scheduled to compete in the Internationaux de Strasbourg from May 17 to 23. The French Open begins on May 24.
