Eala shatters 'Czech-mate', bests Bartunkova to rule Birmingham Open
MANILA, Philippines — Is there any better way to break a “curse” than by winning a championship?
Alex Eala finally broke her losing streak against Czechian tennisters and won the WTA 125 Birmingham Open in the process after defeating Nikola Bartunkova in three sets, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5, in the final Sunday evening (Manila time).
This is the Filipina star’s second WTA 125 title, after ruling the Guadalajara Open in Mexico last year.
“I'm so honored to be lifting this trophy today. But lifting this trophy does not mean that I will be among the greats yet. So I'm motivated to keep working,” she said after the match.
“I'm grateful for the part that this trophy has played in my journey,” she added, as she thanked her opponent as well for the “incredible” match.
The World No. 37 actually had a strong start to the match, breaking a 4-all deadlock to get a 5-4 edge in the first set.
But the World No. 69 dug deep and swept the next three games to take the first set, 7-5.
Eala then regained her bearings in the second set, turning a 2-all tie to a 5-2 advantage as she held her serve.
The Czechian kept herself alive, but her opponent forced the third set as she held her serve once again.
And come the third, Eala rose from a 1-2 deficit, winning the next three games to take a 4-2 lead.
Bartunkova held her serve next, before Eala pushed herself to within a game from the title, 5-3.
However, the Czech tennister willed her way to the extended frame, winning the next two games to force a 5-all impasse.
But as the saying goes, the only way is through.
The 21-year-old Eala found her rhythm once again and broke her opponent’s serve to take a 6-5 lead.
Serving for the title, Eala fell behind 30-40, but she fought back several advantages by Bartunkova.
An out by the Czech officially gave the Filipina the title, with Eala raising her hands on her head in disbelief before celebrating.
With the win, Eala is not only bringing home 125 ranking points, but also $33,650.
In last year’s tournament, she fell in the first round against Czechia’s Linda Fruhvirtova.
This year, Eala lost to Czech players Karolina Muchova (6-0, 6-2 in the Miami Open); Linda Noskova (6-2, 6-0 in Indian Wells); and Tereza Valentova (7-6[6], 6-1 in the Qatar Open).
That slump has now ended.
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