Alex Eala defeated Nikola Bartunkova, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5, in the Birmingham Open final.
The Filipina had to work hard for her maiden grass-court title, battling to a three-set win over her Czech opponent.
After being broken to love on her first attempt to serve out the match, Eala sealed the win, lifting the legendary Maud Watson Trophy.
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During the post-match ceremonies, Eala reacted when told she had just joined some elite company.
Alex Eala admits she’s still not ‘one of the greats’ despite winning same trophy as Martina Navratilova
Lifting the Maud Watson Trophy, Eala followed in some legendary footsteps.
Over the years, several tennis greats, including Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, and Maria Sharapova, all emerged victorious in Birmingham.
Notable Birmingham Open champions
- Billie Jean King – 1982, 1983
- Pam Shriver – 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987
- Martina Navratilova – 1989, 1991
- Maria Sharapova – 2004, 2005
- Petra Kvitova – 2017, 2018
- Ashleigh Barty – 2019
- Alex Eala – 2026
Hearing some of those names read out, Eala shared her thoughts.
“It sounds really beautiful, of course, all those names you mentioned are tennis greats,” she said.
“I’m so honoured to be lifting this trophy today, but lifting this trophy does not mean I’m one of the greats.
“I’m motivated to keep working.”
It’s that mentality that has drawn so many to the youngster.
Humble as ever, showing respect to the legends of the game, while expressing a desire to improve.
Eala continued, congratulating Bartunkova for the part she played in a thrilling final.
“It’s one of those days I wish we both could have won. Congratulations to you and your team,” she said.
“I’ll see you next week or the week after!”
She then thanked her own team and spoke to the crowd, with whom she had developed a special relationship.
“I’d also like to thank my coach and my team, and of course, my family who are watching from home. I love you guys,” said Eala.
“It’s incredibly special, and I like to say that home is the people, not the place.
“Of course, to everyone who has come throughout the week, through the weather, and for the organisers, the ball kids, everyone who made this possible, thank you!”
Finally, Eala was asked what went through her mind at the end of the match, when nerves got the better of both players.
Alex Eala vs Nikola Bartunkova – Match stats
| Stats | Alex Eala | Nikola Bartunkova |
| Aces | 2 | 5 |
| Double faults | 5 | 4 |
| 1st Serve % | 64% | 58% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 66% | 67% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 64% | 64% |
| Break points | 4/11 | 3/10 |
“I don’t remember anymore!” she said.
“It was a really tight moment.
“It’s one of those days where a little bit of luck and intention is what got me through.”
Eala’s opponent, Bartunkova, was also quick to congratulate Eala during her post-match speech.
“Now, it’s a little bit sad. First of all, I would like to congratulate Eala. I wish you all the best for the future, and I hope we will play further matches in the future,” she said.
Alex Eala ends extraordinary winless run against Czech players
Before her thrilling three-set win over Bartunkova, Eala had lost 12 consecutive matches against Czech players.
Alex Eala’s record vs Czech players (1-12)
- 2023 W60 Nantes SF [LOSS] vs Gabriela Andrea Knutson, 6-2, 3-6, 1-6
- 2024 W75 Trnava R32 [LOSS] vs Tereza Martincova, 6-3, 4-6, 6-7
- 2024 Guadalajara R32 [LOSS] vs Marie Bouzkova, 2-6, 2-6
- 2024 Wuhan R64 [LOSS] vs Katerina Siniakova, 3-6, 1-6
- 2024 Jiujiang R32 [LOSS] vs Marie Bouzkova, 5-7, 6-7
- 2025 Birmingham Open R32 [LOSS] vs Linda Fruhvirtova, 5-7, 7-6, 1-6
- 2025 Wimbledon 1R [LOSS] vs Barbora Krejcikova, 6-3, 2-6, 1-6
- 2025 Canadian Open 1R [LOSS] vs Marketa Vondrousova, 6-3, 1-6, 2-6
- 2025 Osaka R32 [LOSS] vs Tereza Valentova, 1-6, 2-6
- 2026 Qatar Open R64 [LOSS] vs Tereza Valentova, 6-7, 1-6
- 2026 Indian Wells R16 [LOSS] vs Linda Noskova, 2-6, 0-6
- 2026 Miami Open R16 [LOSS] vs Karolina Muchova, 0-6, 2-6
- 2026 Birmingham Open F [WIN] vs 5-7, 6-3, 7-5
Finally ending that losing run, Eala shouldn’t need to worry about the nationality of her opponents going forward!
Eala will now turn her attention to the Queen’s Club Championships, which begin next week.
The Filipina will play a qualifier in the first round.
