When Elena Rybakina is healthy, she is arguably the best player on the WTA tour on any surface that isn't clay. This is especially true of grass, where the Kazakhstani has already won Wimbledon (2022). 21-year-old Alexandra Eala, though, has the power to reach a high-level on grass courts too, though.
Rybakina learned this quickly in the first set of her Berlin Open match against Eala. After jumping out to a 4-1 lead and serving with such bombast that she appeared on the cusp of sweeping Eala away with ease, the Filipina mounted an unexpected comeback to get back to even.
A match that seemingly was going to be easy for the WTA No. 2 suddenly turned into one she was going to have to fight her way through, and against a player who was brimming with confidence and immense power in her groundstrokes. It had simply taken Eala a few games to get used to the speed Rybakina had to offer.
Alexandra Eale comes back to beat Elena Ryabkina at the 2026 Berlin Open
As the set went on, it was Eala was that taking control. She won six of the last seven games of the set to stun Rybakina, and this was happening even while the Filipina appeared to be struggling somewhat with a leg injury.
In the second set, Rybakina got a hold to start, and Eala followed that with the same. However, in the third game, Eala got yet another break of the big-hitting Kazakhstani, and all the momentum of the match was in favor of the 21-year-old. She didn't appear to be overplaying or overhitting; she was simply finding her elite game in front of the Berlin Open crowd.
The only question was whether she would keep her level for the rest of the match. Any dip in form would certainly allow Rybakina to change the narrative quickly.
Eala wouldn't drop her form, however. She maintained a consistent serve, one not as powerful as Rybakina's but just as efficient in helping her hold serve. After getting the early break in the set, the Filipina kept that distance throughout the set and took it 6-4. The win was the second of her career against a No. 2-ranked player. She hasn't yet beaten a No. 1.
Assuming her leg isn't too hurt, however, she could be on the cusp of a special run at Wimbledon. That would change the makeup of the current WTA tour.
Next for Alexandra Eala will be Elina Svitolina, a player in top form for much of 2026. Should the Filipina get past that match (and that is a big if), she could be in great shape to reach the final, where she might take on Aryna Sabalenka.
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