Source – GMA
Alexandra “Alex” Eala delivered a surprising performance on Thursday, overcoming second-ranked Elena Rybakina 7-5, 6-4 in the Round of 16 at the Berlin Tennis Open.
Trailing 4-1 in the opening set, the Filipino standout mounted a comeback, winning three consecutive games to even the score.
After Rybakina edged ahead again, Eala reasserted control by taking the final three games of the set.
In the second set, Eala established an early 3-1 lead.
Though Rybakina narrowed the gap with a hold, Eala regained momentum, extending her advantage to 5-3. Rybakina held once more to stay alive, but Eala sealed the match in the following game.
“I was nervous at match point too,” Eala admitted.
“But I’m truly happy with how things went today. It really could have gone either way—both sets had some tense moments. She’s an incredible player, definitely the one to beat. I’m just glad to have had the chance to play against her again.”
With this win, Eala advances to the quarterfinals, where she will meet Elina Svitolina.
