Eala nets Birmingham Open crown over Bartunkova, snaps winless slate vs Czech netters

Alex Eala’s breakthrough against Czech opposition could not have come at a better time than in the Birmingham Open final.

Despite history not being in her side, Eala conquered a hurdle that had long eluded her, snapping an 0–13 losing skid against Czech opponents after outlasting Nikola Bartunkova, 5–7, 6–3, 7–5, to capture the WTA 125 Birmingham Open trophy on June 7.

With the triumph, the Filipina tennis ace claimed her first championship of the season while securing the second title of her WTA career after ruling the Guadalajara Open in September 2025.

After dropping the opening set against Bartunkova—who once served as her doubles partner in the tournament—Eala quickly shook off her early jitters and tightened her game, avoiding double faults while capitalizing on two break points to force a decider.

Riding her regained momentum, the top-seeded Filipina dug deep and remained composed under pressure, banking on precise crosscourt and baseline shots to build a comfortable 5–3 cushion.

Despite squandering two consecutive games and getting broken in the tenth game, Eala responded by breaking Bartunkova’s serve in the eleventh. 

Showcasing grit, the lefty Filipina then saved three break points in the twelfth before the Czech netter surrendered with back-to-back errors.

Kicking off her grass-court campaign on a high note, Eala now shifts her focus to the Queen’s Club Championships set to roll on June 8.