Eala returns to winning ways, sweeps Parry in Ningbo Open first round

MANILA, Philippines -- Back on track. 

Alex Eala has finally broken out of her slump, blasting Diane Parry, 6-3, 6-1, in the opening round of the Ningbo Open Monday evening in China. 

Eala, who has not won a professional tennis match since the US Open last month, finally got one against the World No. 34, getting the win in an hour and 17 minutes.

"I'm very happy with my performance. I think it was a really good first round, tough first round. Diane is a great player and I think she's had a really good year so congrats to her for the year she's done and I'm really happy to be in the second round," Eala said after the match. 

The two players were kept in a tight match in the first set, with the two trading games. 

After Parry tied things up at 3-all, Eala won the next three games to take the first set, 6-3. 

Gaining momentum, the pride of the Philippines broke the second set wide open, going up 4-0 as she simply picked her opponent apart with sharp returns. 

Parry kept herself alive with a crucial win in the fifth game, but Eala would not be denied. 

The Filipina, now ranked 20th in the world, will take on either Yulia Putintseva or Diana Shnaider in the Round of 16.