Filipina Alex Eala defeated Nikola Bartunkova 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 in the final on June 7 to claim the Birmingham Open crown, her first WTA title of the year.
The top-seeded Eala ended a 0-13 record against Czech players with the victory at the Edgbaston Priory Club in Birmingham, United Kingdom. She had previously lost to three Czech opponents this season in WTA 1000 events.Eala said after the match, “I’m so honored to be lifting this trophy today. But lifting this trophy does not mean that I’ll be among the greats yet.” She added that she is motivated to keep working.The win marks Eala’s second WTA 125 title following her success at the Guadalajara Open in September. She is scheduled to compete next at the Queen’s Club Championships beginning June 8.