Published June 20, 2026 1:50am
Updated June 20, 2026 2:39am
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Alexandra “Alex” Eala pulled off another major upset, defeating world No. 8 Elina Svitolina, 6-3, 6-4, in the quarterfinals of the Berlin Tennis Open on early Saturday (Philippine time).
With the victory, Eala advanced to the semifinals, where she will face Czech player Linda Noskova.
Eala raced to a 3-0 lead in the opening set before Svitolina got on the board. The Ukrainian star later trimmed the deficit to 4-3, but Eala responded by winning the next two games to take the set.
Clinical 👏
Alex Eala moves one set away from the semifinals in Berlin, taking the first against Svitolina 6-3!#BTO26 pic.twitter.com/SLm9HjkANR
— wta (@WTA) June 19, 2026
The second set was closely contested early, with both players tied at 2-2. Eala then surged ahead, 5-2, putting herself within a game of the match. Svitolina fought back to win two consecutive games, but Eala held firm and sealed the victory.
Marching ON 💪
Alex Eala is a semifinalist in Berlin, defeating Svitolina 6-3, 6-4!#BTO26 pic.twitter.com/k0zHYyYfWt
— wta (@WTA) June 19, 2026
“I’ve been watching her since I was a kid, so to be able to compete with her today is such an honor. I really admire her. She’s a mother, and I find her to act with such elegance and strength. I’m really lucky to have had this match today,” Eala said.
The win marked Eala’s second consecutive victory over a Top 10 player in Berlin and her sixth overall against a Top 10 opponent on the WTA Tour.
The Filipina first broke through with victories over Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek during her breakthrough run at the Miami Open last year. This season, she has added wins over Jasmine Paolini at the Dubai Tennis Championships, Coco Gauff at Indian Wells, Elena Rybakina in the Berlin round of 16, and now Svitolina in the quarterfinals.
HIGHLIGHTS | Eala vs Svitolina
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—JKC, GMA News