Alex Eala survives Masarova test to reach Birmingham Open final
Alex Eala is beginning to find her footing on grass, a trend that was on full display on Saturday evening (Manila time) when she fended off a determined challenge from Rebeka Masarova of Switzerland in three sets, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, in the semifinals of the 2026 Lexus Birmingham Open.
Back at the Centre Court of the Edgbaston Priory Club in England less than 18 hours after her quarterfinal triumph over Mananchaya Sawangkaew of Thailand, the top-seeded Eala knew that one of the keys to victory was preventing Masarova from building rhythm behind her powerful serve.
Eala was already familiar with her opponent, having teamed up with the Swiss for doubles at the 2025 Birmingham Open and also defeating her in singles last year at the ITF W75 Trnava in Slovakia.
The world No. 37 effectively neutralized Masarova’s primary weapon in the opening set, breaking in the second game to surge ahead 3-0.
Eala maintained control from there, even as Masarova eventually got on the scoreboard. The Filipino closed out the first set in just 29 minutes.
In the second set, Masarova — currently world No. 132 — responded strongly, firing five aces and breaking away from a 2-2 deadlock to lead 4-2.
Eala threatened a comeback after closing in at 5-4. However, Masarova held firm and levelled the match with a comfortable service hold in the 10th game.
Eala quickly regained momentum in the third set, jumping to a 2-0 lead.
Masarova answered to tie it at 2-2, but Eala once again pulled ahead, 3-2, and even led 0-15 on Masarova’s serve before rain interrupted play.
When action resumed, Eala kept her composure, racing to a 5-2 advantage before rain halted play once more. She ultimately closed out the match in the ninth game to secure her place in Sunday’s final.
Eala will face her doubles partner this week, fifth seed Nikola Bartunkova of the Czech Republic, for the title.
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