Birmingham: Filipino top seed Alexandra Eala ruled the Birmingham Open after beating fifth seed Czech Nikola Bartunkova 5-7, 6-3, 7-5, Sunday night at Edgbaston Priory Club in the United Kingdom. The World No. 37 secured her second WTA 125 title after the 2025 Guadalajara Open in Mexico and first on grasscourt.

According to Philippines News Agency, Eala faced a challenging final game, remarking on the break points that could have turned the match. She acknowledged the crucial role of luck and determination in her victory, stating, "It was a really tight moment and I knew that if I didn't go for it, Nikki would go for it." This win marks another significant achievement in Eala's career, following her previous success on the international stage.

In doubles, Eala joined forces with Bartunkova but was ousted by No. 2 British pair Dart Harriet and Maia Lumsden, 4-6, 6-2, 11-9, during the first round. Despite this setback, Eala's performance in singles remained strong throughout the tournament.

Eala's path to the championship included a victory over Swiss qualifier Rebeka Masarova, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, in the semifinals. Her quarterfinal match saw her defeating Thai Mananchaya Sawangkaew, 6-3, 6-2. Eala had previously triumphed over Sawangkaew in the Southeast Asian Games final, ending a 26-year gold medal drought for the Philippines in women's singles.

Eala's tournament journey also featured wins against Australian Priscilla Hon, 6-0, 6-2, in the Round of 32, and Russian Alina Charaeva, 6-2, 7-5, in the Round of 16. Meanwhile, Bartunkova's route to the final included a series of hard-fought matches. She overcame Dart in the first round, compatriot Gabriela Knutson in the second round, British Mika Stojsavljevic in the quarterfinals, and American Ashlyn Krueger in the semifinals, showcasing her resilience and skill in advancing to face Eala in the final.