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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Composure pays off in Eala's stunning upset win vs Rybakina

Composure pays off in Eala's stunning upset win vs Rybakina

Published Jun 19, 2026 11:41 am  |  Updated Jun 19, 2026 01:42 pm

At A Glance

  • That mindset paid off in a big way as the Filipina tennis star displayed composure in shocking world No. 2 Elena Rybakina, 7-5, 6-4, to barge into the quarterfinals of the 2026 Berlin Open in Germany early Friday, June 19.
Alex Eala (WTA)
Alex Eala (WTA)
Alex Eala is learning to give herself grace under pressure as she navigates the highly competitive Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour.
That mindset paid off in a big way as the Filipina tennis star displayed composure in shocking world No. 2 Elena Rybakina, 7-5, 6-4, to barge into the quarterfinals of the 2026 Berlin Open in Germany early Friday, June 19.
“I think you have to give yourself grace while also being brave,” said the 21-year-old Eala moments after her stunning victory.
“In my game in general, a highlight word would be to be brave, and it makes a big difference when I’m able to do that,” she added.
Indeed, Eala remained unfazed against Rybakina, weathering the two-time Grand Slam champion’s booming serves by steadily holding her ground throughout the one hour, 50 minute match.
She had to dig deep from a 1-4 first-set deficit, mounting a ferocious comeback and refusing to back down against one of the best players in the world.
“I was shaking during match point, too, but I’m really happy with today, of course. It could have gone either way, I think, because there were really tight moments in both sets,” Eala said.
“And of course, she’s an amazing player and she’s the one to beat, so I’m happy to be able to share the court with her again,” she added.
Her victory over Rybakina marked the fifth Top 10 win of Eala’s career, further underscoring her emergence as a rising force on the Tour.
It also somehow avenged her straight-set, third-round loss to Rybakina at the Italian Open last May.
But Eala is not resting on her laurels as she next faces another formidable player in Elina Svitolina in the quarters.
The 31-year-old Svitolina, seeded sixth in the tournament and ranked No. 8 in the world, boasts of multiple semifinal and quarterfinal appearances in all Grand Slam events. She is coming off a quick 6-3, 6-2 win over Eva Lys to reach the quarters.

Related Tags

Alex Eala Elena Rybakina Elina Svitolina Berlin Open WTA
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