Alex Eala advances in Linz Open after triumphant start to clay swing

MANILA, Philippines – Alex Eala felt right at home in her Linz Open debut, showing promise to begin the clay court swing.

Eala eliminated Julia Grabher from the Austrian’s own home event as the Filipina claimed a 6-4, 6-3 victory in their round of 32 clash on Tuesday, April 7 (Wednesday, April 8, Manila time).

While Grabher enjoyed home advantage, Filipinos in Austria made Eala feel just as supported, and the 20-year-old returned the favor by winning to reach the second round of the WTA 500 tourmament where she will face 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko.

“I did not expect that there would be many of you here in Linz, but thank you for following my matches and see you tomorrow,” said Eala in a mix of Filipino and English. 

Ranked 46th in the world, Eala needed nearly an hour to clinch the opening set as she and Grabher both held serve through the first nine games before the Filipina broke in the 10th game. 

That thrilling 10th game saw Grabher, the world’s No. 89 player, move on the cusp of pulling level at 5-5 after gaining advantage, but Eala scored the next three points, including a superb forehand winner, to take the first set. 

Eala then raced to 4-1 lead in the second set and doused cold water on Grabher’s comeback attempt to finish the match in 1 hour and 42 minutes. 

“I kept the intensity well throughout the match. She’s a very intense player and has really good shots so I’m really happy with the win,” said Eala. 

Eala hopes to enjoy a better clay campaign this year after failing to make it past the second round in each of the four clay tournaments she took part in last year.

Whether that streak continues will be determined as Eala battles world No. 23 Ostapenko on Wednesday. 

Eala owns a 2-0 record against Ostapenko on the WTA Tour, beating the Latvian in the 2025 Miami Open and 2025 Eastbourne Open — tournaments wherein she made deep runs.

Ostapenko received a first-round bye as the No. 4 seed in Linz. – Rappler.com