Alexandra Eala staged the Berlin Tennis Open’s biggest upset yet, beating World No. 2 Elena Rybakina in the Round of 16. The 21-year-old’s happiness knew no bounds as she immediately rang her father to celebrate the win.
In her on-court interview with former player Andrea Petkovic, Eala, who was shaking with excitement, reflected on the match.
Alexandra Eala Halts Elena Rybakina’s Berlin Run
Eala wasn’t initially planning on competing at the Berlin Tennis Open. She accepted a wildcard at the tournament after crashing out in the second round of the Queen’s Club Championships. The Filipina star was handed a tough draw, her first opponent being Queen’s Club champion Donna Vekić. She embraced the challenge to topple the recently crowned winner 7-5, 6-4.
Her next opponent was Rybakina, the reigning Australian Open champion and former Wimbledon champion. Rybakina, seeded second, received a direct entry to the second round. Unfazed by the challenge, Eala, who’s previously beaten the likes of Madison Keys, Iga Świątek, and Coco Gauff, produced another gritty display. She secured the win with an identical score, despite trailing 1-4 in the opening set.
Her joy was palpable during the on-court interview. “I called my dad,” she told Petkovic. “I said, ‘Oh my God.’ We were just screaming. My mom was there too. I’m really happy.”
“I’m a little foggy right now,” she continued. “I think I’m still shaking. And I was shaking on match point. I’m really happy with today.”
Given Elena Rybakina’s extensive experience and her comfort on grass, Eala admitted that “it could’ve gone either way.”
“There were really tight moments in both sets. Of course, she’s an amazing player. She’s the one to beat. I’m happy to have been able to share the court with her again.”
This was their second meeting. Rybakina won the first 6-4, 6-3 at this year’s Italian Open. Reflecting on their Berlin clash, her 21-year-old opponent said:
“She really started on fire, and she came out hot. I was able to get a couple of free points on my serve, and I think that helped. And just some good return. She did I don’t know how many aces in the first couple of games, so getting the point in play was a big help for me,” Eala said, laughing.
When asked how she managed to neutralize the tour’s ace leader, the Filipina revealed her secret. “You have to give yourself grace while also being brave. For me, returning, and my game in general, the highlight word would be to be ‘brave,’ and it makes a big difference when I’m able to do that.”
Alex Eala after beating Elena Rybakina in Berlin
Petkovic: “Who did you call on the phone right now?”
Alex: “I called my dad. I don’t know. I said ‘Oh my God.’ We were just screaming. 😂 My mom was there too. I’m really happy. I’m a little foggy right now. I think I’m still… pic.twitter.com/d5CAPQNhUp
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 18, 2026
Alexandra Eala enjoyed a dream start to her grass-court campaign. She won her first challenger title on the surface in Birmingham before her Queen’s Club debut. She would now hope to make a mark in Berlin before heading to Bad Homburg. Eala has set up a quarterfinal clash against Elina Svitolina on Friday.
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