After a disappointing singles performance, Alex Eala roars back into the doubles quarter-finals at the Guangzhou Open, silencing any doubts about her comeback. But here's where it gets controversial... While her singles campaign at the WTA 250 Guangzhou Open didn't go as planned, Eala's doubles partnership with Ukrainian veteran Nadiia Kichenok proved to be a game-changer. Despite being away from doubles competition for a while, the Filipina star showed no signs of rust, pulling off a major upset against the fourth-seeded duo of Emily Appleton and Tang Qianhui. This victory not only extended Eala and Kichenok's success against Appleton but also marked Eala's first doubles match since July, when she and Germany's Eva Lys bowed out in the first round at Wimbledon. The victory also extended Eala and Kichenok's success against Appleton, whom both players had previously faced this year. In May, Eala teamed up with Renata Zarazua of Mexico to beat Appleton and Spain's Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers in the opening round of the French Open. Meanwhile, Kichenok partnered with Japan's Makoto Ninomiya to win the WTA 250 Prague Open in July, ousting Appleton and Isabelle Haverlag of the Netherlands in the semi-finals. At the Nansha International Tennis Center, Eala and Kichenok once again proved too strong for Appleton. The opening set was tightly contested, with both teams trading service breaks twice in the first six games to stay level at 4-4. The breakthrough came in the ninth game, as Eala and Kichenok earned a crucial third break to move ahead 5-4. Appleton and Tang had two chances to break back in the following game, but the Filipina-Ukrainian duo held firm to close out the set after 40 minutes. The second set remained competitive early on, locked at 2-2, before Eala — ranked No. 207 in doubles — and Kichenok shifted gears. They secured two more service breaks to win four straight games and complete the upset in straight sets. Eala and Kichenok will next face Russia's Polina Kudermetova and Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday, with a semi-final spot on the line. So, what do you think? Do you agree with Eala's comeback story, or do you have a different interpretation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
