Alex Eala delivered a breakthrough victory on grass, stunning world No. 2 Elena Rybakina, 7-5, 6-4, to advance to the quarterfinals of the Berlin Open on Friday (PH Time).

The win marked Eala’s first career triumph over the reigning Australian Open champion and one of the biggest upsets of her young career.

Eala, 21, showed composure in a tightly contested match, overcoming an early 4-1 deficit in the opening set before rallying to take control. She secured a crucial break in the 11th game and served out the set, 7-5.

The second set remained close, with Eala gaining the upper hand after breaking Rybakina for a 3-1 lead.

The Filipina held her nerve despite late pressure from the powerful Kazakh, who fought off match points and closed to 5-4. Eala, however, stayed steady on serve and sealed the victory on her second opportunity.

“I’m really happy with today. It could have gone either way,” Eala said in her post-match interview. “She’s an amazing player and the one to beat, so I’m happy to have been able to share the court with her again.”

Eala credited her brave mindset, particularly on return, as key to the win.

“For me, returning and my game in general, a highlight word would be to be brave, and it makes a big difference when I’m able to do that,” she said.

The victory avenged her loss to Rybakina at the Italian Open in May, where the world No. 2 won in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, on clay.

Eala advances to the quarterfinals, where she will face world No. 8 Elina Svitolina.