EASTBOURNE, England – Filipino tennis sensation Alexandra Eala etched her name in the nation’s sporting history on Friday, becoming the first Filipino to reach a Women’s Tennis Association final after a grueling three-set victory over France’s Varvara Gracheva.
Eala, ranked 74th in the world, overcame a tough challenge, winning 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 in a match that tested both players’ physical and mental fortitude. The emotional victory saw her rush to her parents and coach in the stands, visibly overwhelmed by the milestone achievement.
“There were tough moments where she was playing well, and I didn’t know how to get out of it,” Eala told court-side reporters, reflecting on the intense semifinal battle.
The 19-year-old Joint, ranked 51st, awaits Eala in Saturday’s final after dispatching Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 7-5, 6-3. Joint, buoyed by her recent Morocco Open victory, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming match.
Eala’s remarkable run follows her impressive performance at the Miami Open, where she notably defeated world-class players including five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek and Australian Open titleholder Madison Keys.
The final will serve as a prelude to Eala’s Wimbledon debut on Monday, where she is set to face defending champion Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic.
Regardless of Saturday’s outcome, Eala continues to captivate the tennis world with her resilience and emerging talent.
