Alex Eala mounted a gritty comeback to defeat Zheng Qinwen, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, and advance to the second round of the Mubadala DC Open on Wednesday (PH Time).

The 21-year-old Filipina, currently ranked No. 28 in the world, recovered from a tight opening set loss and steadily turned the match in her favor, overpowering Zheng in the decider with a dominant run of games.

Eala started strong in the first set, breaking early to take a 2-0 lead and holding firm for a 3-2 advantage. But Zheng, a former world No. 4 now ranked 123rd, responded with a surge, winning three straight games to seize control and eventually close out the set, 6-4.

The second set remained tightly contested, with both players exchanging holds early. Zheng secured the first break to move ahead 4-3, but Eala quickly answered with a break of her own to level at 4-4.

The Filipina then delivered a crucial hold for a 5-4 edge before breaking Zheng once more to force a deciding set.

Carrying momentum into the third, Eala took full command. She held serve to open and immediately broke Zheng for a 2-0 lead, then extended her run with another break to go up 4-0.

Despite Zheng getting on the board at 4-1, Eala remained in control, breaking again for a 5-1 cushion before serving out the match.

Eala finished with a commanding performance in the final set, winning six of the last seven games to seal the comeback victory.

With the win, Eala moves into the second round of the hard-court tournament, continuing her steady rise on the WTA Tour.