The losses are piling up for Alex Eala.
The Filipina’s grass-court season began with a tough setback after she and Czech partner Nikola Bartunkova suffered a narrow three-set defeat to British duo Harriet Dart and Maia Lumsden, 4-6, 6-2, 9-11, in the Round of 16 of the WTA 125 Lexus Birmingham Open.
Fast Start for Eala and Bartunkova Goes to Waste
Alex Eala and Nikola Bartunkova could not have asked for a better start.
The Filipino‑Czech tandem stormed to a commanding 4‑0 lead in the opening set, immediately putting pressure on the second‑seeded British pair. Their aggressive returning and efficient service games allowed them to dictate play early and appear headed toward taking control of the match.
However, the momentum quickly shifted.
Backed by the home crowd, Dart and Lumsden gradually found their rhythm and tightened their play from the baseline. The British duo proceeded to win six consecutive games, completely turning the set around and stunning Eala and Bartunkova.
What looked like an early advantage for the Filipina and her partner suddenly became a frustrating missed opportunity as the British pair seized the momentum heading into the second set.
Filipina‑Czech Pair Responds in Second Set
To their credit, Alex Eala and Nikola Bartunkova refused to let the opening‑set collapse define their afternoon.
The pair regrouped brilliantly in the second frame and immediately regained control of the match. After breaking a 2‑2 deadlock, they reeled off four of the next five games to establish a comfortable cushion.
Eala’s consistency from the baseline and Bartunkova’s steady serving proved effective as they raced to a 5‑2 advantage before comfortably serving out the set.
Set Three Turns Into a Nail‑Biter
With a quarterfinal berth on the line, neither side was willing to give an inch in the 10‑point match tiebreak.
The teams traded points throughout the decider, remaining level at 2‑2, 3‑3, 4‑4, and later 8‑8 as the tension continued to rise.
Eala and Bartunkova appeared to gain the upper hand when they built a 6‑4 advantage and later fought back to level the score at 9‑9 after facing pressure from the British duo.
But Dart and Lumsden delivered when it mattered most.
The home pair won the final two points of the match to complete an 11‑9 escape and book their place in the quarterfinals, denying Eala and Bartunkova a memorable comeback victory after one hour and 28 minutes.
Alex Eala’s Focus Now Shifts to Singles Campaign
With this loss, Alex Eala is now 0‑3 in doubles competition on grass since last year.
Although her doubles run ended again early, the 21‑year‑old Filipina will not have to wait long for another opportunity in Birmingham.
The world No. 37 entered the WTA 125 event as the tournament’s top seed and will now turn her full attention to the singles competition as she faces Australia’s Priscilla Hon in the Round of 32.
