In a thrilling semifinal clash at the Eastbourne Open, Alex Eala showcased her resilience and skill to overcome Varvara Gracheva with a hard-fought 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 victory. This win not only marks her second triumph over Gracheva this year but also propels her into her first-ever WTA final.

Set-by-Set Breakdown:

• First Set: Eala started strong, taking a 4-1 lead with aggressive forehands and varied shot selection. Despite Gracheva's comeback to lead 5-4, Eala held her nerve to win the set 7-5.
• Second Set: Gracheva capitalized on Eala's dip in form, dominating with a 6-2 win to level the match.
• Third Set: The decisive set was a tense battle. Eala broke Gracheva in the seventh game and held serve to lead 5-3. She sealed the match with another break, securing a 6-3 victory.

Next Challenge: Eala now awaits the winner of the match between Australia's Maya Joint and Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. A win in the final would make her the first Filipina to claim a WTA singles title, marking a historic milestone in her career and for Philippine tennis.

Key Highlights:

• Eala's aggressive baseline play and mental toughness were pivotal.
• This victory is a significant step in her young career, showcasing her potential on the international stage.

As she prepares for the final, Eala carries the hopes of a nation eager for global tennis success.