Filipina tennis star Alex Eala at the Philippine Women's Open. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
MANILA (UPDATED) — Alex Eala has bowed out of the inaugural WTA 125 Philippine Women's Open.
This, as Colombia's Camila Osorio took down Eala, 4-6, 4-6, in the quarterfinals on Thursday at a jampacked Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, loudly cheering for the home bet.
Osorio is significantly ranked lower against Eala at No. 84, with the Filipina star currently at No. 49.
"Sayang, hindi pumasa ngayon sa level, pero ang importante, nandito ako sa Manila," uttered Eala as she soaked in the support of the home crowd. "Nandito ako sa Pilipinas, nandito ako ang WTA, I really hope you guys get inspired and learn to love tennis."
"I hope it grows because I love tennis so much, and I'm so lucky that I'm able to share this experience and this journey with all of you," added Eala, who also spent time with her fans after doing her post-match press conference.
READ: Tennis: Alex Eala working on consistency amid progression in PH Women's Open
Trailing by one set, Eala even led in the second frame, 3-2, as she tried to get back into the match, but the visitor came up with the shots that sent the Pinay packing.
The 24-year-old Osorio will be facing Argentina's Solana Sierra, who won against Thai Lanlana Tararudee, 6-3, 6-4, to book a semis ticket.
Meanwhile, Next up for Eala is the WTA 500 Mubadala Abu Dhabi, where she will play in the main draw after getting a wildcard.
Earlier in the day, Tatiana Prozorova outlasted Sofia Costoulas in a three-set thriller, 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, while World No. 72 Donna Vekic overcame a tough challenge from China's Zhu Lin, 6-4, 6-3.
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