Eala gets early boot in Abu Dhabi Open

MANILA, Philippines -- Alex Eala had an early exit in the Abu Dhabi Open after falling in the round of 32 against World No. 55 Magda Linette, 7-6(4), 6-1, Tuesday.

Eala kept a gallant fight going in the first set, tying the set up at six games apiece.

In the tie-break, the 31-year-old Linette was able to go up 3-0 as she asserted her mastery over the Filipina.

Eala stormed back, keeping the set interesting, but Linette was able to go to within a point for the set, 6-4.

The two then battled it out, but the Polish tennister was able to keep her cross-court hit in to win the first set.

In the second set, the Filipina was able to tie it up at 1-1.

Eala, however, was unable to win a game the rest of the way.

The Polish star was up 40-30 in the second set's seventh game, and Eala's return found the edge of the net, ending her Abu Dhabi Open stint with an error.

The 18-year-old last week lost in the semifinals of the W50 Indore in India.

Linette was able to punch in an ace against Eala. The Filipina recorded five double faults.

The two were tied at 41 service points won, but Linette won 36 receiving points.

Linette will be facing Brazil's Betriz Haddad Maia in the round of 16 on Wednesday afternoon.