Alex Eala will once again try to defy the odds as she takes on world No. 2 Elena Rybakina in the Round of 16 of the Berlin Tennis Open.
Previously dispatching Eala in the Round of 32 of the Italian Open last month, Rybakina entered the tournament well rested after earning a first-round bye, while the Filipina is fresh off winning her first assignment against Donna Vekic.
Rybakina: The Undisputed Champion
In their first meeting, the Kazakh star showed why she is a 13-time WTA champion and the world No. 2, defeating Eala in straight sets.
Among the 13 titles owned by the 27-year-old, Rybakina has a grass-court Grand Slam title from 2022 Wimbledon. Last year, she posted a 5-3 record in singles matches on grass courts.
This season, she holds an even 1-1 grass-court record after defeating Tatjana Maria in the Round of 16 of the HSBC Championships before falling to Katie Boulter in the quarterfinals.
Rybakina also enters the Berlin Tennis Open as the tournament’s second seed and one of the favorites to capture the WTA 500 title.
Meanwhile, for fan favorite Eala, there is reason to believe the newly ranked world No. 35 has a stronger chance against Rybakina this time around, especially considering the Filipina’s impressive 7-1 record on grass this year.
As the two rising stars prepare to clash once again, fans can expect a much different contest compared to their meeting last month—with the possibility of a different outcome this time around.
Alex Eala Next Game
Alex Eala vs. Elena Rybakina
Tournament: WTA 500 Berlin Tennis Open Date: Thursday, June 18 at 11:30 p.m. (Time subject to change.)
Category: Singles (Round of 16, Main Draw)
