Alex Eala advanced to the semifinals of the WTA 125 Birmingham Open on Saturday after defeating Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew, 6-3, 6-2, in straight sets. The top-seeded Filipino player showed composure after a competitive start and finished strongly to secure the victory in one hour and 21 minutes.
Sawangkaew kept the match close early, and in the second set she briefly went ahead 2-1. Eala responded with a dominant run, winning five consecutive games to close out the match. Her consistency and ability to raise her level at key moments proved decisive as she booked a place in the final four.
The first set followed a similar pattern. After the score was tied at 1-1, Eala broke away by winning four straight games to build a commanding 5-1 lead, putting Sawangkaew under heavy pressure. Although the Thai player tried to stay in contention, Eala maintained control to take the opening set and set the tone for the rest of the match.
Eala said she would take valuable experience from the contest as she moved within two wins of claiming her second WTA 125 title. Her first came in Guadalajara last year, and the Birmingham result keeps her in position for another tournament crown.
The match also carried added significance for Eala, who took pride in competing against a fellow Southeast Asian player. She noted that facing Sawangkaew on court had a special meaning, especially after the two met previously in the women’s singles final of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, where Eala also emerged victorious.
With the win, Eala arranged a semifinal meeting with Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova, the world No. 132, later on Saturday. The upcoming clash will determine who advances to the Birmingham Open final.
Eala’s performance reinforced her growing stature in women’s tennis as she continues her push on the WTA circuit. Her steady form, strong finishing, and ability to handle pressure have made her a player to watch in Birmingham, where she remains in contention for the title.
