Filipina tennis queen Alex Eala turned emotional after becoming the first Filipina to reach a WTA Tour final.
Eala outlasted a gritty Varvara Gracheva of France, 7-5, 2-6, 6-3, in the semifinal of the 2025 Eastbourne Open on Friday (Manila time).
READ: Tennis: Alex Eala ousts Varvara Gracheva, marches to Eastbourne Open finals
After making the final point that gave her the breakthrough final appearance, Eala did not hold back, shouting in pride of her newest feat and a satisfaction on overcoming a resolute French rival.
"I'm like, super, super happy because that was a tough match," a teary-eyed Eala said in the on-court interview.
"There were really tough moments when she [Gracheva] was playing well and I sometimes didn’t know how to get hold of it, so I’m really happy with winning," she added while shaking off her tears, taking it all in.
Eala relished her chance of playing Gracheva, who also came from the qualifying, adding that her patience paid off as she "waited" for the chance to strike back.
READ: Tennis: Alex Eala jumps to No. 64 in WTA live rankings
Eala first led 3-1 in the third set, but Gracheva stormed back by tying in the third game, 3-3, enduring multiple deuces.
But composure and patience were there for the Filipina star, winning three straight games to take out the French pride.
READ: Tennis: Alex Eala outclasses Dayana Yastremska, advances to Eastbourne semis
"It was a challenge for both of us, physically and mentally. We both came from quali, and she’s a really solid player," Eala expressed.
"She had some moments where she was really dominating, so the fact I was able to stay there and wait for my opportunity is a big achievement for me today."
Eala, with the championship on the line, will battle the winner of the semifinal match between Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Maya Joint.
She is also expected to reach another career-high in WTA rankings following her recent triumph.
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