Eala extends dominant grass-court run, blanks Stivolina to book Berlin Open semis spot

Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala continued her dream run on grass after fending off Elina Stivolina’s late fightback to secure a 6–3, 6–4 victory and clinch a semifinal berth in the 2026 Berlin Open at the Steffi Graf Stadium, June 20.

Despite facing a second-set scare, the lefty Filipina quickly regained control later to ice out the one-hour and 23-minute battle and keep the Ukrainian standout at bay.

“Elina is a huge fighter and I’ve seen it many times. I’ve been watching her since I was a kid. So to be able to compete with her today is such an honor,” said Eala in the postgame on-court interview.

Eala also put together a three-game winning-skid on grass, including her previous battle against World No. 2 Elena Rybakina where she orchestrated a 7–5, 6–4 upset.

After the Filipina easily strung a 5–2 lead in the second canto, Stivolina answered back in strong returns to take the next two games and pull within one.

However, Eala is ready to finish the business here and now.

The 21-year-old netter clawed her way back through her foe’s series of mishaps, before striking a backhand play to secure the win.

The same storyline favors Eala in the opening chapters, as she cruised to an early 3–0 lead and maintained her advantage throughout to draw first blood.

With the win, Eala is set to retain her A-form as she will lock horns against World No. 13 Linda Noskova on June 21.