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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Eala strikes again in Berlin, nears another WTA title on grass court

Eala strikes again in Berlin, nears another WTA title on grass court

Published Jun 20, 2026 11:35 am  |  Updated Jun 20, 2026 02:05 pm

At A Glance

  • The victory marked Eala's ninth win in her last 10 grass court matches, and her second straight triumph over a Top 10 player after earlier stunning world No. 2 Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals the other day.
Alex Eala (File Photo/ AP)
Alex Eala (File Photo/ AP)
Alex Eala’s magical run on the grass courts continued as she shocked another formidable rival in world No. 8 Elina Svitolina, 6-3, 6-4, to reach the semifinals of the 2026 Berlin Open in Germany early Saturday, June 20.
The victory marked Eala’s ninth win in her last 10 grass court matches, and her second straight triumph over a Top 10 player after earlier stunning world No. 2 Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals the other day.
The 21-year-old Filipina wildcard credited her exposure to high-level tournaments such as this WTA 500 event, where it tests her capabilities against more experienced elite players.
“I think I’m getting better,” said Eala. “Of course, being exposed to this kind of level more often really pushes you to your limits and forces you to showcase what you got.”
“Some weeks are better than others and I’m really enjoying this week, so thank you everyone for coming along the ride,” she added.
Indeed, facing Svitolina once again tested Eala’s resolve. The challenge was evident in the second set, when the Ukrainian Grand Slam veteran clawed back from a 2-5 deficit by winning two straight games to narrow the gap to 4-5.
But Eala refused to yield, showing poise as she dug deep and held her serve to fend off Svitolina's late surge en route to her sixth career win over a Top 10 opponent.
“I can’t believe it. I’m in shock right now,” said Eala.
“Elina (Svitolina) is a huge fighter. I’ve been watching her since I was a kid, so to be able to compete with her today is such an honor. I really admire her. She’s a mother and I find her to act with such elegance and strength,” she added.
But Eala’s journey is far from finished as she plays world No. 13 Linda Noskova for a spot in the final at press time.
The last time Eala and Noskova faced each other was at Indian Wells last March, where the Czech dominated the Filipina in straight sets.

Related Tags

Alex Eala WTA Elina Svitolina Elena Rybakina Linda Noskova Berlin Open
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