Elena Rybakina is currently ranked as World No. 2 in women’s singles. But at the warm-up WTA tournament in Berlin, she was defeated by the 21-year-old Alexandra Eala.
This result comes after Rybakina defeated Eala in straight sets on clay during the Italian Open in May. The reigning Australian Open winner took a 4-1 lead but Eala fought back and eventually defeated her 7-5, 6-4.
Eala, who’s ranked 35 in the world, stayed in control during the second set and not letting her favoured opponent settle.
Alexandra Eala is the first Filipino player to break into the top 50. She’s in fiery form as she also defeated the Queen’s Club champion, Donna Vekic in the opening match in Berlin. Next up in her schedule, she will face World No. 8, Elina Svitolina, who defeated Germany’s Eva Lys in straight sets in the quarterfinals.
In the other quarterfinals, Aryna Sabalenka will face Nikola Bartunkova, while, world number four Jessica Pegula will face Madison Keys.
“I am a little foggy right now,” Eala said in her on-court interview. “I’m still shaking, and I was shaking on match point, too. But I’m really happy with today, of course. It could have gone either way.
“I think there were really tight moments in both sets, and she’s an amazing player. She’s the one to beat, so I’m happy to have been able to share the court with her again.”
“Elina is a very consistent player,” Eala told reporters.
“She is obviously a huge fighter with her background and her experience. But she’s also able to be aggressive when she needs to be. So I’m expecting a really good match, and I hope to bring out the best and showcase my tennis.”
