Filipino tennis prodigy and Globe Ambassador Alex Eala shocked no. 5 seed and ITF singles world. No. 14 Carole Monnet in three sets to book a semifinals seat in the Rafael Nadal Academy World Tennis Tour in Manacor, Spain.

The 15-year-old Eala showed her trademark never-say-die-spirit to rally from a set down to beat her French opponent, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 and clinch her first-ever semi-finals appearance in the main draw of an ITF women’s tournament.

Eala appeared in command early in the game against Monnet after racing to a 4-1 start in the opening set. The French woman, however, rallied to eventually win the set in a tie-break.

Despite this, the world’s number 3 junior player kept her wits and serve to turn the tide against Monnet in the second set, 7-6, and extend the match to a decider.

The Filipina battled her 19-year-old opponent in the third set patiently before seizing control after going 3-2 in the final canto.  Eala eventually won the set and the match 6-4.

In the previous round, Eala booted out top seed Seone Mendez of Australia, 6-4, 6-4 to arrange her duel against Monnet.

Eala, a Globe Ambassador since 2016, will face fellow Asian Adithya Karunaratne of Hongkong in the semifinals.