Alex Eala, Nadiia Kichenok cruise past Tang–Appleton; Filipina ace nears career-high WTA ranking

Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala continues to make waves on the international stage — this time on the doubles court — as she and Ukrainian partner Nadiia Kichenok delivered a composed and commanding performance to defeat the China–United Kingdom duo of Q. Tang and E. Appleton, 6–4, 6–2, at the Guangzhou Open.

From the opening serve, the Eala–Kichenok tandem set the tone with a potent mix of aggression and discipline. 

Kichenok anchored their service games with precision and consistency, while Eala’s relentless returns and sharp baseline play kept their opponents under constant pressure.

The pair’s chemistry was evident in the numbers. They won 62 total points to 43, and took 12 games while limiting Tang and Appleton to just six. 

Their efficiency in key moments was striking — converting five of nine break points, compared to their opponents’ two of four. 

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Alex Eala wins doubles with Nadiia Kichenok, 6-4, 6-2 against 4th seed Appleton and Tang at the Guangzhou Open!

Screengrab WTA Site pic.twitter.com/H0wUJfUL5P

— Dyan Castillejo (@DYANCASTILLEJO) October 23, 2025

Kichenok’s steadiness on serve stood out, posting a 79% first-serve rate and winning 64% of both first and second-serve points. 

Eala complemented this with her aggressive returns, producing 28 receiving points won, nearly a third of all points in the match.

While Tang and Appleton managed three aces, their five double faults proved costly, undermining several promising rallies. In contrast, Eala and Kichenok played clean, committing zero double faults and maintaining full control of their service games.

Their best stretch came midway through the second set, where they strung together 10 straight points and five consecutive games, effectively breaking open the contest and sealing a convincing victory.

The win further underscores Eala’s growing stature on the professional circuit. Earlier this week, the 20-year-old Rafael Nadal Academy alum was projected to achieve a career-best WTA singles ranking of No. 52, despite an early Round of 32 exit in singles play against American Claire Liu (6–2, 4–6, 4–6).

While that singles defeat halted her run at the WTA 250 tournament, Eala’s consistent results across the Asian circuit have continued to boost her ranking momentum. Her projected climb from No. 53 to No. 52 marks yet another milestone in her steady rise among the sport’s elite.

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