Alex Eala bags Birmingham Open for first grass title

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

After six years since turning professional, Alex Eala finally got past the grass-court hump, claiming her first title on that surface by outlasting Czech netter Nikola Bartunkova, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5, in the finals of the WTA 125 Birmingham Open on June 7, 2026, at the Edgbaston Priory Club in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Aside from halting her grass-court drought, the 21-year-old Filipina ace also won her first WTA title of the year, while breaking her infamous 0-13 losing streak against tennis players from the Czech Republic.

The opening set looked like a mano-a-mano showdown as both players held serve until the 5-all deadlock, but Bartunkova scored a crucial break in the 11th game to take a 6-5 lead, followed by a much-needed hold to formally open the title match with a 1-0 advantage.

Despite going down early, Eala remained composed, pummeling Bartunkova during the long baseline rally exchanges to cruise to a commanding 5-2 cushion.

Eala’s three-game lead was enough to help her equalize, although Bartunkova threatened to inch closer with a late steal of the eighth game.

From forcing action in the first frame, Eala let the game come to her in the second set, capitalizing on Bartunkova’s sloppy returns with deep down-the-line forehand bombs.

The third and final set featured several momentum-shifting exchanges of scoring runs, as Bartunkova drew first blood with an early 2-1 lead.

Just when the Czech challenger thought she could continue targeting Eala’s backhand, the world No. 33 WTA player had other plans, reverting to her second-set adjustment of keeping Bartunkova behind the baseline by putting heavy topspin on her forehand groundstrokes.

As a result, Eala jumped to a 4-2 lead, moving two games away from capturing the grass-court title.

Not letting her guard down, Bartunkova unleashed her final rally by leaning on her improved service game to tie the thrilling final at 5-all.

However, that last stand in the 10th game became the final bright spot for the Czech, as Eala finally got the job done with a break for a 6-5 lead and never looked back.

“This match was incredible,” Eala said during the trophy presentation.

“I would like to thank my coach, my team, and of course, my family, who’s watching from home now. I love you guys. Mga kababayan, maraming salamat sa suporta, ang dami ninyo ngayon.”

Mabuhay ka, Alex!