June 27, 2025

Alex Eala faces familiar foe Varvara Gracheva for spot in Eastbourne Open Final

Alex Eala faces familiar foe Varvara Gracheva for spot in Eastbourne Open Final
Alex Eala is no stranger to facing Varvara Gracheva after the two recently clashed in the 2025 Nottingham Open. | Photos (c) WTA

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala is one step away from her first-ever WTA final on the grass as she faces France’s Varvara Gracheva in the semifinals of the 2025 Lexus Eastbourne Open on Friday, June 27.

The 20-year-old Eala earned her spot in the final four with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over world No. 42 Dayana Yastremska in the quarterfinals.

Awaiting her is a familiar opponent in Gracheva, whom she edged in a tightly contested three-set match just two weeks ago in the Nottingham Open qualifiers, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. That win marked the start of Eala’s breakthrough run on the grass circuit.

[ALSO READ: Alex Eala hurdles former world no. 39 Varvara Gracheva in Nottingham Open qualifiers]

Gracheva, currently on the comeback trail, advanced to the Eastbourne semis after receiving a walkover from reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, who withdrew due to a right thigh injury.

Just like Eala, Gracheva advanced through the Eastbourne Open qualifiers and is riding a five-match winning streak.

Now, the stage is set for a high-stakes rematch between two in-form players.

First serve of the highly-anticipated match is set for 6:00 p.m. (Manila time).

(With reports from Kiko Demigillo)

[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]

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