Alex Eala beats Donna Vekic in dazzling Berlin Open debut

FILE–The Philippines’ Alexandra Eala hits a volley against China’s Shuai Zhang during their round of 32, singles match at the HSBC WTA tennis Championships at Queen’s Club in west London on June 9, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP)

LIVE: Alex Eala vs Donna Vekic – Berlin Open Round of 32

MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala cooled off red-hot Donna Vekic, 7-5, 6-4, to advance to the round of 16 of the Berlin Open on Wednesday (Manila time) at Steffi Graf Stadion in Germany.

Eala beat Vekic for the second time in just five months in a high-level match that felt like a continuation of their ASB Classic first-round duel won by the rising Filipino in three sets.

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It only took Eala a pair of sets this time, but the victory didn’t come any easier against the confident Croatian, who’s coming off a crowning moment at Queen’s Club in London on Friday.

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Putting on a SHOW! 🤩

Alex Eala defeats Vekic in straight sets and moves on in Berlin. #BTO26 pic.twitter.com/pemfZP7Ojd

— wta (@WTA) June 17, 2026

“I told myself that she’s fighting back, but I’m also a fighter, so I have to try and give her a hard time. Donna is an incredible player and she’s been showing us that,” said Eala, who received a wildcard entry into the WTA 500 tournament, after a brilliant Berlin debut.

“Every time I play her, it’s been very difficult,” she added.

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READ: Alex Eala opens Berlin Open campaign vs Donna Vekic

Behind a big service game, Eala battled back from 0-40 down to close out Vekic, who turned back home bet Emma Raducanu in the Queen’s final. Eala served up eight aces and had 25 winners against 13 unforced errors.

It was a game of runs and momentum swings, especially in the opening set.

Vekic, who turns 30 years old on June 28, zoomed to a 2-0 lead in the first set before Eala responded by winning the next four games.

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Vekic reclaimed the lead, 5-4, but Eala pulled ahead for good after earning a crucial break in the 11th game.

Eala won’t have much time to celebrate her big win over Vekic with a round of 16 duel against World No. 2 Elena Rybakina set on Thursday.

The 21-year-old Eala was beaten by Rybakina, 6-4, 6-3, in their Italian Open third round encounter last month.

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