Alex Eala claims ‘grass is growing on me’ as impressive Eastbourne run continue
Alex Eala was pleased to “find solutions” at the Eastbourne Open after rallying to reach the last eight following Jelena Ostapenko’s retirement.
Filipino star Eala struggled early on against Ostapenko, who lifted the title in Eastbourne back in 2021, though she impressively turned the tables with a strong second set.
The 20-year-old, who beat the Latvian during her breakthrough Miami Open run, was leading 0-6, 6-3, 3-2 with a break of serve in the decider before the third seed retired with a foot injury.
Though the end of the match was bittersweet, Eala admitted she was pleased with how she bounced back from a tough opening set at the WTA 250 event.
“I think I was very happy with how I was able to recollect and rebound after that first set,” said Eala. “Because she was really dominating me.
“I’m proud of how I was able to find solutions. She retired but I had good chances in the third. I broke her and I was on a roll.
“Although you can never know what could have happened if she continued, but overall I’m happy.”
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Having come through two rounds of qualifying and a dominant round-one win against Lucia Bronzetti, Eala has now won four matches in a row – her best win streak since her Miami Open semi-final showing.
It is also a significant step for the Filipina to take on grass, with Eala having limited experience on the surface coming into the short 2025 grass-court swing.
She is set to make history with her Wimbledon main draw debut next week, becoming the first woman from her country to play at the Championships.
After four straight wins, Eala admits her confidence on the notoriously tricky surface is growing.
She added: “Physically, I’m doing quite well.
“The grass season is not very long, and I haven’t had many [matches] in general, so I’m happy that I’m able to do well.
“I think it’s growing on me, I think it suits my game.”
Currently ranked 74th in the world, Eala previously reached a career-high of world No 69 earlier this year.
However, having reached her first-ever WTA Tour quarter-final on grass, the Filipina could be in line for a breakthrough.
Eala is provisionally up to world No 68 in the WTA Live Rankings, and could seal a new career-high should results go her way in Eastbourne.
The 20-year-old could guarantee a new rankings high on Thursday, when she returns to court for her quarter-final against Dayana Yastremska.
Victory over the Ukrainian would propel her to 64th in the WTA Live Rankings.
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