Alex Eala Survives a Tough Test to Reach the Birmingham Open Final

Alex Eala advanced to her first final of the 2026 season after defeating Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, in the semifinals of the Birmingham Open WTA 125 tournament in Birmingham, England, on Saturday, June 6, 2026. The match, which extended past midnight in Manila and was repeatedly interrupted by rain delays, became Eala’s toughest test of the week after she had won her first three matches in straight sets.

The top-seeded Filipino opened strongly and controlled the first set with confidence, appearing headed for another routine victory. Masarova, however, responded with a determined comeback in the second set and forced Eala into a longer, more physically demanding battle. The momentum shift, combined with two lengthy rain suspensions, turned the semifinal into an endurance contest that stretched deep into the night.

Eala said after the match that she was pleased to survive a difficult contest. She described the victory as a valuable experience and noted that Masarova had put her in difficult positions throughout the match. The delays also tested her ability to stay focused. Eala said she tried to stay relaxed during the interruptions, but acknowledged that a player can never fully switch off during a rain delay.

In the decisive set, Eala regained control and moved to within one game of victory at 5-2 before the weather forced another suspension. When play resumed, Masarova made one final push and won the eighth game to stay alive. But Eala kept her composure, forced deuce in the ninth game after falling behind 15-30, and then capitalized on consecutive errors from her opponent to seal the win and secure a place in the title match.

The result sends the 21-year-old Eala into her first final of the year and adds another milestone to her growing professional career. Her next opponent will be Czech player Nikola Bartunkova, who was also her doubles partner in Birmingham. The two were eliminated early in doubles competition after losing their opening match last Monday.

The final presents another major challenge for Eala, who has struggled against Czech opponents since turning professional in 2020, holding an 0-13 record against players from the Czech Republic. Still, she said reaching the final itself is a significant physical achievement and expressed confidence that the difficult semifinal prepared her well for the title match.

Eala’s run in Birmingham continues to highlight her rise on the women’s tennis circuit, as she navigates both challenging opponents and difficult conditions while pursuing her first trophy of the season.