Prozorova rallies past Eala for maiden WTA quarterfinal in Singapore
Tatiana Prozorova recovered from a set and 4-2 deficit to defeat third-seeded Alexandra Eala 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 at the Singapore Tennis Open. The world No 180, who had not previously beaten a Top 20 opponent, advanced to her first WTA quarter-final. She said she kept believing and was emotional after closing the three-hour match with a forehand winner.
Tatiana Prozorova, 22, entered the Singapore event ranked No. 180 and had just two prior Tour-level victories. Against third-seeded Alexandra Eala, ranked No. 18, she trailed by a set and 4-2 before winning in three hours and nine minutes. It was her first career WTA quarterfinal and first win over a Top 20 opponent.
Her previous match also required a comeback: she lost the first set and trailed by a break against Sofia Costoulas before prevailing 5-7, 7-6 (2), 6-2. She next faces China’s Xinyu Wang. Prozorova later credited her fitness coach, whom she has worked with since around July, for gradual improvement.
This result may resonate with lower-ranked players and fans in smaller tennis nations, showing that a player outside the Top 100 can challenge a rising star. It could boost Prozorova’s visibility and sponsorship chances, while Eala’s following in Southeast Asia may remain engaged despite the loss. For the Singapore tournament, a three-hour comeback may add local interest and illustrate the depth of women’s tennis.