Alex Eala asserts mastery over Thai foe to reach Birmingham Open semis

Alex Eala continued with her winning ways against Mananchaya Sawangkaew, moving past the Thailand bet with a 6-3, 6-2 victory in the 2026 Birmingham Open quarterfinals early Saturday in United Kingdom.

The straight-sets victory sent the Filipina star to the semifinals against Rebeka Masarova of Switzerland.

READ MORE | UPDATES: Alex Eala vs Mananchaya Sawangkaew at the WTA 125 Birmingham Open Quarterfinals

Facing the same opponent she dominated to win it all in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand last December, Eala wasted no time asserting her dominance by racing to a 5-1 lead in the opening frame.

Sawangkaew, however, responded with back-to-back game victories in an attempt to extend the set. But the 21-year-old Philippine pride quickly slammed the door shut in the following game, firing a strong serve that forced a return error from the Thai to seal the frame.

Sawangkaew got off to a strong start in Set 2 after seizing a 2-1 lead, but Eala quickly turned things around to take control. The Filipina ace captured the next four games in a row, including a dominant love game in the sixth to reach the match point at 5-2.

Serving for the match, Eala unloaded a two-handed backhand winner to move ahead 40-30 before Sawangkaew's forehand sailed long on the next point, sealing the Filipina's victory and ticket to the semis.

Eala will next face the 26-year-old Masarova, who was coming off a gritty three-set win over Mary Stoiana, 6-4, 3-6, 6-0.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News