In challenging conditions, with windy weather and multiple rain interruptions disrupting the rhythm of the match, Eala showed resilience and composure to stay focused throughout a hard-fought semi-final. After taking the opening set, the Filipina responded strongly to Masarova’s fightback, raising her level in the decider to secure a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 victory and book her place in the final.
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Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala secured a spot in her first final of the season after surviving a grueling, rain-delayed semifinal clash against Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova at the Birmingham Open.
The top-seeded Eala demonstrated immense composure on the grass courts of the Edgbaston Priory Club, ultimately defeating the resilient Swiss qualifier in a three-set thriller, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.
Eala standardly dominated the opening set, coasting to a quick 6-2 lead. However, world No. 132 Masarova found her rhythm in the second set, matching Eala’s intensity and breaking the Filipina to force a deciding third set.
The final set turned into a true test of endurance, punctuated by two separate weather disruptions. Eala was leading 5-2 in the decider when a heavy downpour halted play for over an hour. When the players returned to Centre Court, Masarova managed to hold her serve to extend the match. Undeterred, the 21-year-old Filipina held her nerve, closing out the match with decisive forehand winners to seal the victory.
Game highlights;
With this hard-fought triumph, Eala advances to the second WTA 125 final of her career, where she will face her former doubles partner, Nikola Bartunkova of the Czech Republic. The 2026 Birmingham Open Finals will be this June 7th.
Top-seeded Filipina tennis star Alex Eala put on a dominant performance at the 2026 Birmingham Open, sweeping past Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, to secure her spot in the tournament’s final four.
The world No. 37 controlled the pace of the quarterfinal match from the outset. Eala took the opening set in 48 minutes, showcasing sharp baseline play and converting critical breakpoints. She carried that momentum cleanly into the second set, breaking Sawangkaew to take a commanding 4-2 lead before closing out the match. The victory allowed Eala to avenge a previous career loss to the Thai player and level their head-to-head record at 1-1.
OUTSTANDING Alex Eala in Birmingham 🤯#LexusBirminghamOpen pic.twitter.com/wc0pEiLoMo
— LTA (@the_LTA) June 4, 2026
With this commanding win, Eala advances to the semifinals of the WTA 125 event. Up next, she will face Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova as she continues her strong push for the grass-court title.
Source: Olympics