The Philippines’ Alexandra Eala celebrates winning her women’s singles final match against Nikola Bartunkova on day nine of the Lexus Birmingham Open Championships at Edgbaston Priory Club, Birmingham, England, Sunday June 7, 2026. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP)
MANILA, Philippines–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.
READ: Alex Eala survives ‘great test,’ advances to Birmingham Open final
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 maintain working,” said Eala.
“It’s considered one of those days where I hope we are able to each 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 call just a few, who all won the Birmingham Classic in some unspecified time in the future of their celebrated careers.