Alex Eala Rallies to Win Birmingham Open Title Ahead of Wimbledon
The 21-year-old Filipina rallied from a set down to win 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 and earn $33,650 and 125 ranking points.
- On Sunday, Filipina tennis star Alex Eala secured her second WTA 125 singles title, defeating former doubles partner Nikola Bartunkova in the Birmingham Open final with a 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 victory.
- Entering the match with a 0-12 record against Czech players, Eala claimed her first victory over a Czech opponent on tour. This marks her second WTA 125 crown, following her Guadalajara Open triumph in Mexico last year.
- A two-hour, 37-minute marathon saw Eala rally from a set down to clinch the championship. The 21-year-old found her rhythm after falling behind 30-40 in the final game before Bartunkova sent a shot long to end the match.
- "Lifting this trophy does not mean I will be among the greats yet," Eala said, thanking Nikola for an "incredible" match. She acknowledged past winners including Billie Jean King while remaining focused on improvement.
- Based at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, Eala has become a worldwide sensation among the large Filipino diaspora. This title marks her first championship of 2026, following her breakthrough run to the Miami Open semifinals last year.
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Alex Eala vs Nikola Bartunkova - Birmingham Open Final
Alex Eala goes for the WTA 125 Birmingham Open as she faces doubles partner Nikola Bartunkova in the Final. Birmingham Open Final schedule 6:30pm – Alex Eala vs Nikola Bartunkova LIVE UPDATES: Alex Eala vs Nikola Bartunkova Refresh this page for updates. Alex Eala survives ‘great test,’ advances to Birmingham Open final MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala’s run continued in the Birmingham Open just past midnight on Sunday (Manila time). This time, tho…
Alexandra “Alex” Eala won the WTA 125 Birmingham Open championship after defeating Nikola Bartunkova in a tight match, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5, on Sunday.
Associated Press News
Alexandra Eala wins the Birmingham Open for her 2nd WTA 125 singles title
Alexandra Eala has claimed her second WTA 125 singles title with a victory in the Birmingham Open final against doubles partner Nikola Bartunkova.
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