Metro Manila, Philippines – Alex Eala outlasted Nikola Bartunkova of Czech Republic in three grueling sets, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5, to rule the WTA 125 Birmingham Open on Sunday, June 7.
It was a hard-earned victory for the 21-year-old Filipina tennis ace who struggled against Czech opponents in the professional level, going 0-12 prior to the match.
After dropping a tightly contested opening set, the world No. 37 Eala responded with a more dominant form in the second set to force a decider.
Trailing at 5-3 in the third set, Bartunkova fought back hard to win back-to-back games and tie the score at 5-all.
Eala prevailed in the next game then completely shut the door in the intense final to claim her second WTA 125 title – her breakthrough championship came in Guadalajara in September last year.
Previous Birmingham Open winners include Maria Sharapova, Angelique Keber, Madison Keys, and Jelena Ostapenko.
Eala will next see action in the Queen’s Club Championships, where will face Zhang Shuai in the Round of 32 on June 9.
