June 8, 2026
MANILA – Alex Eala raised her first trophy of the season and lifted a curse that has haunted her for the past several years.
Eala rallied past up-and-coming Czech Nikola Bartunkova, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5, to win the WTA 125 Birmingham Open on Sunday night (Manila time).
The 21-year-old Eala won her second WTA crown after ruling the Guadalajara 125 Open in Mexico last September.
Eala’s victory also marked her first against a Czech in 14 tries since turning pro in 2020.
“I’m so honored to lift this trophy today. Lifting this trophy only makes me more motivated to keep working,” said Eala.
“It’s one of those days where I hope we can both win. It’s an incredible match.”
The 21-year-old Eala joined the likes of former Grand Slam champions and world number ones in Maria Sharapova, Ashleigh Barty, and Angelique Kerber to name a few, who all won the Birmingham Classic at some point in their celebrated careers.