CZECH-MATE: Red-hot Eala falls to Czech foe Noskova in rain-delayed Berlin Open semis

Linda Noskova made sure to reinstate Alex Eala’s curse against the Czech Republic enemies.

With the rain halting a must-see rematch, Eala’s Berlin Tennis Open campaign breakthrough came to an unfortunate end after absorbing a rapid 2–6, 4–6 semifinals loss against world No. 13 Noskova at the Steffi Graf Stadion, June 21 (PHT).

Although Eala waxed hot after snapping her losing skid against Czech players by snaring her first 2026 WTA 125 title at the Birmingham Open versus fellow Czech Nikola Bartunkova, Noskova was simply too much for the Pinay after dismantling her in just one hour and nine minutes.

The Filipina standout could not avenge her last round of 16 loss against the Czech ace during their last encounter at the prestigious Indian Wells Open despite a series of commanding upsets against world No. 2 Elena Rybakina and world No. 8 Elina Svitolina.

Noskova fired on all cylinders right from the get-go as she established a swift 5–2 game advantage and unleashed a forehand winner in the eighth game to draw first blood.

The Czech bet took it up a notch as she propelled towards an early 3–1 game gap going into the second set.

Yet, Eala managed to flip the script midway through the frame as she mounted a huge fightback to gain the upper hand with a razor-thin 4–3 lead.

Noskova then shifted her gears at the right moment as she knotted up the score at a 4-all deadlock before seizing late control to seal the deal.

Eala is now 1–13 against Czech opponents with her recent loss against Noskova.

The world No. 13 advanced to the finals against the perennial Jessica Pegula, who shockingly ousted world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals.

With Eala expected to cop her first seed in the highly prestigious Wimbledon tournament, the 21-year-old Pinay is set to regain her footing in the upcoming WTA 500 Bad Homburg Open, as she will participate as a wildcard draw in both the singles and doubles events.

With reports from GMA News