Alex Eala opened her Berlin Tennis Open campaign with a strong straight-sets victory, defeating Donna Vekic 7-5, 6-4 on Wednesday night, June 17 (PH time) at the Steffi Graf Center Court.

The 21-year-old Filipina, ranked No. 35 in the world, overcame a tightly contested first set, rallying from a 5-4 deficit by winning three straight games. She broke Vekic for a 6-5 lead before closing out the set despite a late double fault.

Eala carried the momentum into the second set, breaking early for a 1-0 advantage and maintaining control behind steady serving and aggressive play.

She fired seven aces and held off a late push from the No. 33-ranked Croatian, eventually serving out the match.

The contest was briefly paused due to a medical situation involving a spectator, but Eala stayed composed after play resumed to secure the win.

It marked Eala’s second victory over Vekic this year, following their meeting at the ASB Classic in January.

Eala advances to the Round of 16, where she will face world No. 2 Elena Rybakina in a rematch of their Italian Open clash last May, which Rybakina won in straight sets.

Their Berlin meeting is set for Thursday (PH time).