In the semifinals of the Eastbourne Open on Thursday, Alex Eala fought past Varvara Gracheva of France, winning in three tough sets: 7-5, 2-6, 6-3.
This win is Eala`s second against Gracheva this year, following their match in the Nottingham Open qualifiers two weeks prior. However, this victory is particularly significant as it sends the 20-year-old player to her first-ever WTA tour-level final. Eala is now aiming to claim her inaugural title at the top tier of professional women`s tennis.
The semifinal match proved challenging. Eala began strongly in the first set, quickly establishing a dominant 4-1 lead, showcasing powerful forehands and varied shots. Gracheva retaliated effectively, winning four consecutive games to shift the momentum and take a 5-4 lead. Nevertheless, Eala maintained her composure. She broke Gracheva`s serve at a crucial moment in the tenth game, regaining control and winning the next three games to secure the first set 7-5.
Gracheva bounced back significantly in the second set, capitalizing on a noticeable drop in Eala`s play. The French player exploited a series of unforced errors from the Filipina, comfortably winning the set 6-2 and forcing a final set.
With a place in the final at stake, the third set became a battle of endurance. Both players held serve initially, reaching a 3-3 tie after six competitive games. Eala proved stronger under pressure. She secured a crucial break in the seventh game using a combination of angled returns and powerful baseline shots, then held her own serve to lead 5-3. Recognizing her opportunity, Eala performed decisively in the subsequent game, breaking Gracheva again to clinch the match and achieve one of the most significant wins of her nascent career.
Eala`s opponent in the final will be Australia`s Maya Joint. Eala will compete to conclude her Eastbourne Open run with a landmark victory – one that would make her the first Filipina player to earn a WTA singles title.
Marcus Bellamy