Alex Eala wins 2nd WTA singles title
Alex Eala is now a two-time WTA 125 Women's Singles champion.
On Sunday night, Manila time, at the Birmingham Open final, Eala, 21, dominated former doubles partner Czech Nikola Bartunkova in 2.5-hour three-set match, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5.
While the win cemented Eala's second WTA 125 singles title, it was her first one won on a grass court, having earnd her previous victories on clay. She clinched her first title at the Guadalajara 125 Open in Mexico last September.
This latest victory is especially poignant as it broke Eala's so-called "Czech curse," coming after 14 losses to a Czech opponent since she turned pro.
According to WTA, the win earned for Eala $33,650 in prize money (about P2,077,164), having already won $19,700 (about P1,216,051) in her journey toward the final. The tennis star also received 125 ranking points, in addition to the 81 points she received upon reaching the final.
In a post-match interview, Eala acknowledged her friendship with her opponent, but held fast to her determination to win.
"This match was incredible, one of those days I hope we can both win. It’s incredibly special,” she said.
“It was a really tight moment and I knew that if I didn’t go for it, Nikola would’ve gone for it. It's one of those days where intention [mattered a lot].”
She also acknowledged her coach Joan Bosch, her family whom she said was watching from home, and her mostly Filipino fans.
An alumna of the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, Eala received a shoutout from her alma mater after the match.
"Alex Eala captures her first-ever grass court title! Alex defeats Nicola Bartunkova 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 to win the Birmingham Open. What a week! Vamos."
Eala is now ranked World No. 37 in the WTA singles rankings.
