Filipina tennis star Alexandra Eala advanced to the final of the WTA 125 Birmingham Open after defeating Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, in a semifinal match that was repeatedly delayed by rain on Saturday night.
The contest on Center Court was interrupted several times due to wet weather, forcing players to stop and restart on multiple occasions before Eala eventually secured the victory after three sets.
Eala showed composure throughout the match despite facing a powerful serving performance from Masarova, who fired 11 aces. The 21-year-old Filipina relied on consistency and strong returning to overcome the Swiss player.
Although Masarova held a slight edge in first-serve percentage at 76 percent compared to Eala’s 75 percent, the Filipina proved more effective on crucial points.
Eala won 67 percent of points on her first serve and an impressive 82 percent on her second serve, far better than Masarova’s 53 percent success rate on second-serve points.
The Filipino standout also capitalized on four of her 13 break-point opportunities, while Masarova converted only two of three chances.
Eala’s returning game played a major role in the result. She collected 34 receiving points against Masarova’s 24 and finished with 88 total points won, compared to her opponent’s 73.
The victory also saw Eala claim 16 games overall against Masarova’s 11. She won 54 service points and 12 service games while limiting herself to only three double faults.
With the win, Eala moved into the championship match of the Birmingham Open, continuing another impressive run on the international circuit and moving one victory away from the title.
The post Alex Eala reaches Birmingham final after winning rain-interrupted semis first appeared on Fastbreak.
