Alex Eala-Nadiia Kichenok storm into Guangzhou Open semifinals after straight-sets win over Russian duo

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala and Ukrainian veteran Nadiia Kichenok continued their strong run at the Guangzhou Open, overpowering Russia’s Polina Kudermetova and Kamilla Rakhimova in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5, on Thursday to secure a spot in the semifinals.

The pair displayed excellent chemistry and court balance throughout the one-hour and 24-minute match, mixing Eala’s baseline power with Kichenok’s sharp net instincts. 

The Philippines-Ukraine tandem won 76% of first-serve points and saved crucial break points to fend off the Russians’ late charge in the second set.

Eala and Kichenok broke their opponents’ serve four times out of six opportunities, while holding firm in their own service games to close out the contest efficiently. 

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The Filipino-Ukrainian duo of Alex Eala and Nadiia Kichenok power through the Russian tandem of Polina Kudermetova and Kamilla Rakhimova to secure a spot in the semifinals of the Guangzhou Open women’s doubles, 6-3, 7-5.#GuangzhouOpen #AlexEala pic.twitter.com/zkg2ZwZQhO

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) October 24, 2025

Kudermetova and Rakhimova managed to stay within reach in the latter stages but couldn’t overcome the duo’s composed service holds and clutch shot-making. 

The Russian pair even led the second set at 5-4 at one point, almost taking the set from the Eala and Kichenok, but the latter proved to be more resilient forcing the deadlock at 5-5 and eventually sealing the win. 

The victory followed their first-round triumph against  Qianhui Tang and Emily Appleton, 6-4, 6-2,  where they also won in straight sets, showing poise under pressure and excellent teamwork.

Now on a confident two-match streak, Eala and Kichenok are headed to the semifinals on Sunday, October 26, where they will face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Quinn Gleason and Elena Pridankina versus Katarzyna Piter and Janice Tjen.

The 20-year-old Eala, who continues to climb in the doubles rankings, is proving her ability to compete alongside seasoned WTA veterans. Kichenok, a multiple-time WTA doubles champion, has been instrumental in guiding the young Filipina through the tactical nuances of top-level doubles play.

Their latest win marks another promising milestone in Eala’s late-season campaign, as she aims to close out 2025 with a deep run in China following consistent performances across recent tournaments in Asia. 

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