Alex Eala is through to the Round of 16 of the Linz Open after an impressive debut win over Julia Grabher—and waiting for her is a very familiar face in Jelena Ostapenko.
Jelena Ostapenko Is a Certified Champion
The Latvian received a first-round bye at the Linz Open, entering the draw fresh and rested. Now she gets Eala—an opponent she has yet to beat in two career meetings—and you can be sure she will be motivated to change that.
Despite going 0–2 against Eala, Jelena Ostapenko is a nine-time WTA champion, two of which have come on clay. Her first clay title came in 2017, but the more recent one was arguably the more impressive—defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s Stuttgart Open to claim the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix title. Ostapenko also arrives in form, having won three of her last five matches heading into the tournament.
Eala, on the other hand, comes into this match with a clay court record of 3–4 dating back to 2025—a surface where she has room to grow. That said, she has handled Ostapenko well in their two previous meetings. The first came in the Round of 64 at the Miami Open, and the second in the Round of 16 at Eastbourne, both convincing victories for the Filipino.
This time, best believe Jelena Ostapenko will be playing with something to prove.
Alex Eala’s Next Match
Linz Open — Round of 16
Alex Eala vs. Jelena Ostapenko
Wednesday, April 8 at 7:10 PM (Time subject to change.)
