Filipina teen tennis sensation Alex Eala and American partner Elvina Kalieva suffered an upset right in the opening round of the 2020 Roland Garros juniors doubles tournament on Tuesday, October 6, in Paris, France.

The 3rd-seeded duo were ousted by the Italian pair of Lisa Pigato and Eleonora Alvisi in extended sets, 5-7, 6-2, 1-0 (10-7).

Pigato and Alvisi rode on their strong start to escape Eala and Kalieva, who managed to tie the score at 5-5 in the 1st set.

Although the Filipino-American duo controlled the 2nd set with a 5-1 start, the Italian connection proved too powerful in the 3rd set with 3 straight points that nailed match point.

Although the 15-year-old Filipina ends her campaign to defend her juniors doubles tournament title on clay, she is still in contention for a maiden junior Grand Slam singles championship.

Last February, world No. 4 Eala made history in the 2020 Australian Open juniors doubles tournament, which she ruled together with Indonesian Priska Nugroho. – Rappler.com