Eala Defeats Vekić in Berlin for Another Grass-Court Statement

Alex Eala continued her strong grass-court run after defeating Croatia’s Donna Vekić, 7-5, 6-4, in the Round of 32 of the Berlin Tennis Open on Wednesday at the Steffi Graf Stadion.

Eala, who entered the tournament as a wildcard, advanced in straight sets against a player who arrived in Berlin with recent momentum after winning the Queen’s Club title just days earlier.

The difference came in the pressure points. Vekić created 14 break-point chances but converted only two, while Eala converted four of her six opportunities. Eala also edged Vekić in total points won, 74-69, in a match that lasted one hour and 50 minutes.

The first set was closely contested, with both players trading breaks. Eala, however, was more efficient on return, converting three of her five break chances to take the opener, 7-5.

In the second set, Vekić again had opportunities to get back into the match, but Eala saved all five break points she faced. The Filipina converted her only break chance of the set, which proved enough to close out the victory, 6-4.

Eala finished with four aces and no double faults, while Vekić had one ace and no double faults. Eala also won 62% of her first-serve points, slightly higher than Vekić’s 57%, and won 30 receiving points compared to Vekić’s 29.

The win adds to Eala’s growing list of results on grass this season. Earlier this month, she won the Birmingham WTA 125 title, her first professional title on the surface. She also picked up a win at Queen’s before falling in the Round of 16.

The result is significant because of Vekić’s grass-court credentials. The Croatian is a former Wimbledon semifinalist, an Olympic silver medalist, and had just captured the WTA 500 title at Queen’s. Beating her on grass gives Eala another notable result as she continues to establish herself as a consistent presence on the WTA Tour.

Eala had already beaten Vekić earlier this season in Auckland, where she rallied from a set down to win in three sets. This time, she completed the job in straight sets and on a surface where Vekić has historically been comfortable.

For Eala, the victory continues a season in which she has been trying to build on her 2025 breakthrough. After reaching the Miami Open semifinals last year, making her first WTA final in Eastbourne, and climbing into the Top 100, she has since reached a career-high ranking of No. 29.

On this occasion, Eala did not need to dominate the match. She needed to be sharper when the match turned tight. Against Vekić, that was enough.