Eala eyes repeat win over Baptiste at Dubai Championships

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino tennis hotshot Alex Eala eyes a repeat win over American Hailey Baptiste as they clash in the first round (round of 64) of the Dubai Tennis Championships in the United Arab Emirates Sunday.

The 20-year-old Eala faces the 24-year-old Baptiste at 7 p.m. local time, 11 p.m. here in Manila.

World no. 40 Eala first fought no. 39 Baptiste at the Eastbourne Open second round qualifiers in June last year.

Eala defeated Baptiste, 6(1)-7, 7-6(4), 6-1, to enter the main draw of the tournament and eventually finished as a runner-up.

Initially listed to play in the qualifiers, Eala had been granted a main draw direct entry after late withdrawals of top players including world no. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and no. 2 Iga Swiatek.

Baptiste, on the other hand, entered the main draw as a 'lucky loser' after falling to Rebecca Sramkova, 6-3, 7-5, in the second round of the qualifiers Saturday.

In tennis, a 'lucky loser' is typically the highest-ranked player among the losers in the final round of the qualifiers.

Despite the loss, the 'lucky loser' gains a main draw entry to replace a player who withdrew before his or her first round match.

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