Alex Eala misses out on Berlin Open final after swift loss to Linda Noskova

MANILA, Philippines – Alex Eala’s curse against Czech Republic opponents resumed its hold.

Eala saw her splendid run in the Berlin Tennis Open in Germany come to a screeching halt at the hands of world No. 13 Linda Noskova following a swift 6-2, 6-4 loss in the semifinals at the Steffi Graf Stadion on Saturday, June 20 (Sunday, June 21, Manila time).

Noskova fired 33 winners and 9 aces in a display of superb ball striking as Eala fell to 1-14 in matches against Czech foes, including four losses this year alone.

The 21-year-old Filipina ended her years-long dry spell against Czech players when she beat Nikola Bartunkova in the final of the Birmingham Open in Great Britain for her first WTA 125 title of 2026, but Noskova proved to be a different beast.

From down 3-4, Noskova — who is also 21 — restored order on the back of her big serve and excellent shotmaking as she won the next three games to conclude the match in just 1 hour and 9 minutes. 

Noskova broke serve at love to move on the cusp of the victory at 5-4, then recorded 3 winners and 1 ace in the final game as she reasserted her mastery over Eala.

Eala also fell to Noskova in their first encounter on the WTA Tour: a 6-2, 6-0 loss in the round of 16 of the prestigious Indian Wells Open in March.

Although Eala fared better this time as she won three straight games to take a 4-3 lead in the second set, the Filipina ultimately ran out steam. 

The loss ended Eala’s campaign of upsets as she stunned world No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in the round of 16 and No. 8 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the quarterfinals to reach the final four of a WTA 500 tournament for the first time in her career.

Noskova will face world No. 4 Jessica Pegula of the United States in the final with a chance to win her second WTA Tour title, two years after her breakthrough victory in the 2024 Monterrey Open in Mexico.

Meanwhile, Eala remains in Germany as she competes in the Bad Homburg Open, where she will face Belgium’s Elise Mertens in the round of 32 of singles play.

Eala will also see action in doubles as she teams up with tennis legend Venus Williams. – Rappler.com