At the French W60 Nantes event, Alex Eala bowed out in the semifinals.

After showcasing her tenacity during her run to the semifinals, American-born Czech Gabriela Knutson proved too much for Eala, losing 6-2, 3-6, 1-6 on Saturday, November 4. (Manila time).

The 193rd-ranked player in the world, Eala, got off to a fast start, dominating the opening set 5-1.

The 18-year-old Eala had just overcome French player Leolia Jeanjean 6-4, 2-0, after trailing 1-4 in the quarterfinal round. However, Knutson, who rallied after losing the opening set, gave the Filipino tennis star a dose of her own medicine.

In the following two sets, the 26-year-old Knutson displayed her experience, and her poise helped her come back and win the last two sets.

In the final, Knutson will face Oceane Dodin, the local favorite.

Later this month, Eala will be playing on the ITF W40 Petange in Luxembourg.