Eala survives Bartunkova scare, rules WTA 125 Birmingham Open

World No. 27 Alexandra “Alex” Eala concluded her losing streak against her Czech opponent, raising her first trophy of the season after outlasting Nikola Bartůňková, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5, in the women’s singles to rule the WTA 125 Birmingham Open, June 7.

The Filipina tennis star represented her first victory over a Czech in 14 tries since going pro in 2020, her triumph earned her a second WTA gold after reigning the Guadalajara 125 Open in Mexico last September.

Eala said, “Lifting this trophy does not mean I will be among the greats yet,” after being told that  her tennis icons, including Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Maria Sharapova and Petra Kvitová, were among the previous winners of the competition.

“So I’m motivated to keep working. I’m grateful for the part that this trophy has played in my journey,” she added.

The 21-year-old strolled to a 5-3 advantage in the deciding set, looking poised to capture the match and the title in the ensuing game.

But Bartůňková showed tremendous grit in holding for a 5-4 count, then broke Eala to love to knot the count at 5-5.

Eala returned the favor in the 11th game, blazing to a 40-0 lead before a Bartůňková forehand got her on the board. The Czech crashed her next shot into the net, however, bringing Eala on the brink of victory anew.

Both players stood their ground in the 12th and last game, with Bartůňková securing a break point off an Eala mistake.

However, the Filipina secured a deuce with a powerful serve, and Bartůňková hit another shot into the net, granting Eala a championship point. When Bartůňková fired her next shot long, Eala lifted her arms after securing victory in the two-hour, 37-minute marathon.

“I’m so honored to lift this trophy today. Lifting this trophy only makes me more motivated to keep working,” said Eala.

Eala also expressed her gratitude to her supporters, including the Filipinos who cheered her on from the stands.

“Mga kababayan, maraming salamat sa suporta.”

Up next for Eala is the Queen’s Club Championships, where she will play a qualifier in the main draw just days after her 2026 Birmingham Open crowning moment, taking on Zhang Shuai of China in Round of 32 of the 2026 H.S.B.C. Championship on June 9.