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Posts tagged as “WTA”

Mertens Remains Perfect Against Eala with Straight-Sets Win at Bad Homburg Open

Belgian veteran Elise Mertens extended her perfect head-to-head record against Alex Eala to 3-0, defeating the Filipina sensation 6-3, 6-3 in the first round of the Bad Homburg Open.

Fresh off a stellar semifinal run in Berlin that pushed her to a world No. 30 ranking, Eala showed early flashes of brilliance, racing to a promising 3-1 lead in the opening set. However, the 24th-ranked Mertens quickly stabilized, unleashing 10 aces and a commanding baseline game to reel off five straight games. Mertens carried that momentum through the second set to seal the victory, though Eala fought valiantly, saving two match points.

Next up for Eala is the doubles tournament, where she partners with tennis legend Venus Williams, while Elise Mertens moves on to face Naomi Osaka in the Round of 16.

Alex Eala to compete in 2026 Wimbledon Championships

Filipino tennis sensation Alexandra “Alex” Eala is set to make history at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, running from June 29 to July 12, as she becomes the first Filipino ever to be seeded in a Grand Slam event. She secured her place and earned a coveted tournament seeding thanks to an incredible grass-court surge. Her buildup included winning the Birmingham Open and pulling off stunning upsets against top-10 players at the Berlin Open.

Eala will participate in both the Singles and Doubles categories. While her precise first-round singles opponent will be locked in when the final brackets are drawn, her seeding guarantees a matchup against a lower-ranked player, qualifier, or wildcard. In the doubles tournament, she will partner with Czech player Nikola Bartůňková, building on the strong chemistry they developed during the grass-court season, including their run at the Birmingham Open.

Noskova Halts Eala’s Historic Berlin Run in Straight Sets

Alexandra Eala’s spectacular grass-court run at the 2026 Berlin Open came to an end in the semifinals, falling 6-2, 6-4 to Czech powerhouse Linda Noskova.

Just a day prior, Eala looked practically unstoppable. In the quarterfinals, the 21-year-old Filipina phenom captured one of the biggest wins of her career, dismantling world No. 8 Elina Svitolina 6-3, 6-4 with aggressive, fearless baseline play. That masterful triumph capped off a stretch of back-to-back Top-10 upsets for Eala, following an earlier shock victory over Elena Rybakina.

However, Noskova proved to be a hurdle too high. Dictating play with nine aces and capitalising on five structural break points, the clinical eighth seed never allowed Eala to find the rhythm that had troubled Svitolina.

Match highlights;

What’s Next for Eala?
She will head to the Bad Homburg Open, also in Germany, where she will compete in both singles and doubles. Eala opens her singles campaign against Elise Mertens in the round of 32, and will later partner with Venus Williams in the doubles draw against opponents who are yet to be determined.

Alex Eala Upsets Elena Rybakina in Historic Berlin Open Run and Advances to Quarterfinals

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala sent shockwaves through the tennis world at the 2026 Berlin Open, securing the biggest victory of her career by upsetting world No. 2 Elena Rybakina in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4.

Playing in her tournament debut on the grass courts of the Steffi Graf Stadion, the 21-year-old Eala showed incredible composure. Despite Rybakina opening the match in blistering form and firing 13 aces, Eala—currently ranked world No. 35—recalibrated her returns and capitalized on her opponent’s unforced errors. Trailing 4-1 in the first set, Eala rallied fiercely to win five consecutive games before breaking early in the second set to seal the historic triumph in 1 hour and 32 minutes.

Game Highlights;

Check out the Head-to-Head stats for Alex Eala and Elina Svitolina.

With this monumental win, Eala advances to the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 tournament. She will not have much time to rest, as her next match is scheduled for later today, Friday, June 19, 2026, at 6:30 PM, which will be 11:30 PM, Philippine time. Eala will face a formidable opponent in Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, who enters the match as the tournament’s No. 6 seed and holds the world No. 8 ranking. It will be the first career meeting between the two.

Iva Jovic advance to Quarter Finals after defeating Alex Eala

After cruising through her opening match, Alex Eala found herself on the receiving end of a dominant performance as Iva Jovic took their match 6-2, 6-2 to advance to the quarterfinals. Jovic’s next opponent at the 2026 Queen’s Club Championships (HSBC Championships) in London will be the tournament’s second seed, Amanda Anisimova.

Alex Eala Cruises to Victory Over Zhang Shuai at HSBC Championships

Fresh off her triumphant title run at the Lexus Birmingham Open, Filipino tennis star Alex Eala continued her stellar grass-court form on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, with a commanding victory over China’s Zhang Shuai. In their first-ever singles meeting, Eala defeated the veteran campaigner 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the round of 16 at the HSBC Championships in London.

Despite a slow start where she fell behind 0-2 early, the 21-year-old Filipina quickly found her rhythm. She dominated the veteran Zhang, capitalizing on the Chinese star’s 33 unforced errors with consistent, aggressive groundstrokes. Eala sealed the victory in just 69 minutes.

Match highlights;

Eala now faces a rematch against American Iva Jovic. After her recent title win in Birmingham, Eala enters the next round as a serious contender, seeking redemption for her French Open loss, last month.

Alex Eala wins women’s singles title at the 2026 Birmingham Open

via LTA;

Eala became the first top seeded player to win a WTA 125 event since October 2025 as she battled from a set down to beat Bartunkova 5-7, 6-3, 7-5.

It’s a second WTA 125 singles title for Eala, who also reached the final of the Lexus Eastbourne Open on grass last year.

The final proved a strong test for Eala, who overturned a break deficit early in the second set and saved three break points in the opening stages of the third.

Despite missing the chance to serve out the win at 5-4 in the decider, Eala offered the perfect response, restoring her lead once again in the following game before seeing out the victory.

Eala now heads to London for the HSBC Championships at The Queen’s Club, where she will no doubt be one to watch.

Here are the game highlights;

Watch the Full Final set of 2026 Birmingham Open Semifinals between Alex Eala and Rebeka Masarova

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.

Alex Eala Defeats Rebeka Masarova to Reach Birmingham Open Final

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.

Eala Sweeps Past Sawangkaew to Secure Birmingham Open Semifinal Spot

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.

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

Serena Williams making a comeback to professional tennis

In a stunning announcement that has electrified the sports world, tennis icon Serena Williams has revealed she is returning to professional competition. Widely regarded as the “Greatest Of All Time”, Williams brings an unparalleled legacy back to the court.

Her historic resume includes a staggering 23 Grand Slam singles titles—the most in the Open Era—alongside 14 major doubles titles and four Olympic gold medals. Having spent 319 weeks (third-most of all time), ranked as the world No. 1, her fierce competitiveness and dominant powerful serve have defined generations of tennis. Fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this legendary career.

Aryna Sabalenka wins the 2026 Miami Open

In a high-stakes showdown in Miami, Aryna Sabalenka defeated home favorite Coco Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to claim her second consecutive Miami Open title. The victory marks a historic milestone for Sabalenka, as she becomes the first woman since Iga Swiatek in 2022 to complete the prestigious “Sunshine Double”—winning both Indian Wells and Miami in a single season.

This triumph marks Sabalenka’s 24th career WTA singles title, further cementing her dominance on hard courts. Despite Gauff’s spirited comeback in the second set, Sabalenka’s relentless power ultimately overwhelmed the young American in the decider.

Next for Sabalenka, Gauff and the rest of the tour will be clay season and games will shift to Europe mainly in Madrid and Rome and, of course, the French Open.

Game highlights;

Alex Eala ends 2026 Miami Open run after a lopsided loss to Karolina Muchova

Alex Eala’s 2026 Miami Open campaign came to an abrupt end as the Filipina standout was overwhelmed by higher-seeded Karolína Muchová, 6-0, 6-2, in their Round of 16 clash. The lopsided defeat marked the exit for the 20-year-old Eala from the same tournament that fueled her breakthrough last year, when she stunned several Top 10 players en route to a semifinal finish.

Despite Eala’s impressive run—which included victories over Laura Siegemund and Magda Linette—she struggled to find an answer for Muchova’s versatile power game. While Eala exits the tournament with $105,720 in prize money, Muchova moves on to the quarterfinals, maintaining her dominant 2026 form.

Game highlights;

Alex Eala wins hard-fought match against Magda Linette at the 2026 Miami Open

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala continued her impressive run at the 2026 Miami Open, defeating Poland’s Magda Linette in a hard-fought Round of 32 clash. Eala, currently ranked world No. 29, secured a 6–3, 7–6(2) victory at the Hard Rock Stadium.

The match showcased Eala’s growing maturity; she dominated the first set with aggressive returns before weathering a resilient comeback from the veteran Linette in the second. By clinching the tiebreak, Eala leveled their career head-to-head record at 2–2. She now advances to the Round of 16 to face 13th seed Karolina Muchova.

Game highlights;

Eala Survives Epic 3-Hour Battle Against Siegemund at Miami Open

Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala advanced to the third round of the 2026 Miami Open after coming from a set down to defeat Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6-7 (8), 6-3, 6-3 — the longest match of her career. WTA The grueling contest lasted three hours and 20 minutes, making it the joint-fifth longest tour-level match of 2026. WTA
World No. 29 Eala raced to a 3-0 lead early, but the veteran Siegemund clawed back, eventually stealing the first set in a tiebreaker after Eala squandered multiple set points.

Eala, however, regrouped to dominate the next two sets 6-3, 6-3. Her aggressive baseline play and improved physical conditioning proved decisive against the 38-year-old Siegemund. This hard-fought victory marks the longest match of Eala’s career, propelling her into the third round as she continues her impressive rise on the WTA tour.

lex Eala’s next opponent in the Round of 32 at the 2026 Miami Open is Magda Linette from Poland. Linette secured her place in the third round by defeating world No. 3 Iga Swiatek in a comeback victory (1-6, 7-5, 6-3).

Game Highlights

Alex Eala Upsets Yastremska to face Coco Gauff at Indian Wells

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala continued her historic run at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open, securing a gritty 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 victory over Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska. In a marathon match lasting nearly three hours, the 20-year-old Eala showcased immense mental fortitude and focus, particularly in the deciding set.

After falling behind 4-5 in the third, Eala broke back immediately, capitalizing on Yastremska’s errors with her serve. The veteran Ukrainian committed a number of costly double faults throughout the game, including one that set up Eala’s fourth match point in a tense 12th game. With this win, Eala will move on to a highly anticipated third-round rematch against world No. 4 Coco Gauff. Gauff routed Eala in the semifinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in the UAE.

Here are the match highlights between Eala and Yastremska;

Here’s Eala on her upcoming rematch with Coco Gauff;

ICYMI: Coco Gauff routs Alex Eala to face Elina Svitolina in the Semis of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

Coco Gauff literally gave Alex Eala a tennis clinic.

Elina Svitolina was later defeated by Jessica Pegula, the eventual champions of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

via WTA;

Coco Gauff delivered a masterclass as far as bounce back performances are concerned with a dominant 6-0, 6-2 victory over Alexandra Eala on Thursday night to advance to the Dubai semifinals for the second time. She’ll face Elina Svitolina, who outlasted Antonia Ruzic in three sets to reach the last four.

Checkout the game highlights;

Elina Svitolina is the eventual champions of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

Alex Eala defeats Sorana Cîrstea for her 3rd straight win to advance to the Quarter finals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala has made history again. The 20-year-old moved into the quarterfinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships after defeating Romania’s Sorana Cîrstea in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4.

Eala showed great focus throughout the match. After a close first set, she took control in the second, leading 5-1. Although Cîrstea tried to come back, Eala stayed calm to finish the win. This victory follows her huge upset over world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini. Eala will now face world No. 4 Coco Gauff in the next round.

Game Highlights;

Post game interview;

Alex Eala upsets Jasmine Paolini to secure third Top 10 Scalp to Reach Dubai Round of 16

Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra “Alex” Eala delivered thrilling performance at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Tuesday, upsetting World No. 8 and former champion Jasmine Paolini in straight sets, 6-1, 7-6(5).

Dominating the first set, Eala showed remarkable poise under the lights. Despite a spirited comeback from Paolini in the second, the 20-year-old Filipina held her nerve in a high-quality tiebreak to secure her third career victory over a Top 10 opponent.

Eala now advances to the Round of 16, where she will face Romania’s Sorana Cirstea on Wednesday, February 18.

Here’s the highlights of the match;

Here’s what Alex said when asked on she will do to prepare for her next match;

Alexandra “Alex” Eala stuns Donna Vekic in a comeback win at the ASB Classic in Auckland

Women’s Tennis Rising star Alexandra Eala stunned veteran Donna Vekic at the ASB Classic in a performance that felt more like a high-stakes football match than a tennis tournament. Supported by a roaring “army” of Filipino fans in Auckland, the world No. 53 triumphed 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in an enthralling contest that lasted for two hours and 40 minutes.

The match peaked in the third set. After Eala failed to serve out the match at 5-3, she displayed remarkable resilience, attacking Vekic’s returns to break back immediately and secure the victory. Eala, who is currently ranked at No. 50, a career-high, late last year, credited the electric “homec crowd” atmosphere for helping her navigate the tension.

Eala now advances to the Round of 16, where she is scheduled to face another Croatian, Petra Marcinko, this Thursday, January 8. With her momentum building and a loyal global following behind her, the 20-year-old is proving to be a major force in the 2026 season.

Checkout the game highlights below;

Alex Eala is now Top 50 in WTA rankings

WTA:

Alexandrea Eala has ended her breakthrough 2025 by making some history.

Following her final tournament of the season in Hong Kong — she defeated Katie Boulter in her opening match before falling to eventual champion Victoria Mboko in the Round of 16 — the 20-year-old has become to first Filipina to break into the Top 50 of the PIF WTA Rankings. (She moved up from No. 51 to No. 50 after last week’s results.)

From No. 147 at the start of the year to ranked 50, is one hell of a accomplishment!

Filipina Tennis Star Alex Eala Advances to Sao Paulo Quarterfinals

Alexandra Eala defeats Julia Riera 6-1, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals in Sao Paulo.

WTA;

Few players have enjoyed a stronger stretch on the WTA Tour lately than Alexandra Eala. The Filipino star continued her surge Wednesday with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Julia Riera in 1 hour and 17 minutes to reach the quarterfinals in São Paulo.

Alex Eala will face Janice Tjen in the quarter finals of the WTA Sao Paulo (SP) Open in Sao Paulo, Brazil this Friday, Sept. 12th.

You can checkout the game highlights below.

Alex Eala suffers a heartbreaking defeat at the WTA Lexus Eastbourne Open Finals

WTA;

Maya Joint rallied to win one of the year’s toughest matches at the Lexus Eastbourne Open on Saturday, securing her second Hologic WTA Tour singles title of 2025.

In a matchup of two of the Hologic WTA Tour’s brightest young talents, 19-year-old Maya Joint of Australia saved four championship points to edge 20-year-old qualifier Alexandra Eala of the Philippines 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (10) in Saturday’s final.

It was a tough match but just by reaching the WTA Finals, Alex Eala is already a winner in the hearts the Filipinos. If her trajectory continues to go up, she will face Maya Joint in the future.

Here’s the game high lights.

Alex Eala Makes History: First Filipina to Reach WTA Eastbourne Finals

Alexandra “Alex” Eala has become the first Filipina Tennis player ever to reach a WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) final. She secured her spot by defeating fellow qualifier Varvara Gracheva in a tough semifinal match at the Lexus Eastbourne Open, with a final score of 7-5, 2-6, 6-3.

Eala will face 19-year-old Australian Maya Joint for the championship title this Saturday, June 28th.

You watch some of the game highlights featuring Alexandra Eala vs. Varvara Gracheva from the Eastbourne Semifinal 2025.