MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala of the Philippines is headed to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Birmingham Open after beating Alina Charaeva of Russia in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, Thursday night (Manila time) at the Edgbaston Priory Club in England.
The 21-year-old Eala opened the match with a 4-1 advantage, before the 24-year-old Charaeva made it 5-2.
But the Filipina played meticulously to close the set at 6-2 and prevented the Russian to stage a comeback.
In the second frame, Charaeva turned things around and led by 5-2 after loading up her swings and adding variation on her shots. Eala, however, figured out her opponent's game and strung up four victories to grab a 6-5 lead.
Charaeva tried to extend the match but Eala made sure she would remain in contention for the title by posting a 7-5 victory in the second set.
Eala won 74% of her first-serve points, compared to 56% by Charaeva. She also converted 4 of 9 break points while Charaeva converted just 1 of 3.
The world No. 37 Eala will face No. 173 Mananchaya Sawangkaew of Thailand in the quarterfinals.
The 23-year-old Thai defeated No. 145 Kayla Day of the United States in the round of 16.
