dailyloe.com – Elise Mertens defeated Alex Eala in the second round of the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open on Friday evening, Philippine time. Eala faced a challenging match, ending her campaign with a score of 2-6, 1-6.
Mertens, the 19th seed, started strong by breaking Eala’s serve in the opening game, establishing early pressure at 2-0. The Belgian maintained her composure, holding serve consistently and dictating the rallies.
Despite Eala’s efforts to stay competitive at 4-2, she struggled to gain momentum on her returns. The critical moment came in the seventh game when Mertens secured a second service break, extending her lead to 5-2.
Mertens finished the first set decisively, serving efficiently to win 6-2. Her first-serve effectiveness was notable, winning 93% of those points, while Eala managed only 53%.
The second set mirrored the first, with Mertens breaking Eala in the opening game. She continued to dominate, comfortably holding her serve to maintain control throughout the match.
Ultimately, Mertens’ performance showcased her skill and strategy, leading to a swift conclusion of the match.
