Russian rival next up for Alex in Birmingham

MANILA, Philippines —  Better, fiercer, wiser.

Alex Eala likes her chances on grass with a better version of herself after an emphatic opening act in the WTA125 Lexus Birmingham Open in England.

“I think I have arrived in a much improved state than where I was last year so I’m happy about that and I’m excited for what the season holds,” Eala declared on the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Britain website ahead of her second-round clash today against a familiar opponent in Alina Charaeva of Russia.

The top-seeded Eala, fresh from a roller-coaster campaign on clay, looked impressive in her grass court transition with a massive 6-0, 6-2 season debut against Australia’s Priscilla Hon, WTA No. 143.

Eala, WTA No. 37, needed only 59 minutes to score the win and arrange another duel against Charaeva, WTA No. 130, after the former’s 6-1, 6-2 win in the historic Philippine Women’s Open earlier this year in Manila.

“I think it was a great match against Priscilla. I put in a good performance as well, especially with it being my first match on grass. I’m really happy. Priscilla is a great player. This is definitely a good feeling (entering Round 2),” she said.