Joselito Malig

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<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1775606496446177537871880920260129-w125-ph-quarterfinals-eala-vs-osorio-JC-35.webp" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Filipina tennis star Alex Eala at the WTA 125 Philippine Open. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File<br/></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA<strong> (UPDATE) </strong>— Filipina tennis star Alex Eala advanced to the WTA Linz Open round of 16 after outclassing Austria&#x27;s Julia Grabher, 6-4 6-3, in her opening match early Wednesday morning (Philippine time).</p><p>Eala went neck-and-neck with Grabher in the first set before the Filipina finally took control.</p><p>Grabher tried to claw back in the second set but Eala was determined to secure the win.</p><p>It marked the first time that they faced off in the WTA Tour.</p><p>The 29-year-old Grabher is currently ranked No. 87 by the WTA, having reached a career-best of No. 54 in June 2023.</p><p>The 20-year-old Eala currently is ranked world no. 46 after she hit a career-high ranking of no. 29 in March this year.</p><p>She claimed her first WTA 125 title at the Guadalajara Open in Mexico in 2025.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>GRATEFUL FOR ‘KABABAYAN’ SUPPORT</strong><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong><br/></strong></div><p>Fresh off her straight-sets victory, Eala expressed both relief and gratitude in her post-match interview following a successful debut at the Upper Austria Ladies Linz.</p><p>Facing hometown favorite Grabher, Eala acknowledged the challenge posed by her opponent’s aggressive style. </p><p>“She’s a very intense player and has really good shots, so I’m really happy with the win,” she said.</p><p>The Filipina tennis star also took time to appreciate the strong support from the crowd, particularly from fellow Filipinos in the stands.</p><p>“It means so much [to have them cheer for me]. Hello, mga kababayan! Hindi ko inakalang ang dami niyo rito sa Linz. Salamat sa pagsubaybay sa mga laban ko! Magkita tayo tomorrow.”</p><p>Reflecting on her first experience competing in Linz, Eala shared her appreciation for the warm welcome she received.</p><p>“I think it’s amazing. I’m really happy with how they’ve welcomed me and welcomed the Filipinos,” she said. </p><p>“I guess we match really well because there are a lot of them here, so I’m really thankful for the hospitality. I hope to discover your culture more and have some fun on the court.”</p><p>Eala will next face Latvian star and former Grand Slam champion Jeļena Ostapenko in the Round of 16. </p><p>Their match is scheduled to take place immediately after the first match of the day, set to begin at 6:00 p.m. Philippine time. <strong>—With reports from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News</strong></p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dTN9Yd0S5bQ?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Filipina tennis star Alex Eala advanced to the WTA Linz Open round of 16 after outclassing Austria's Julia Grabher in her opening match early Wednesday morning (Philippine time).</p>

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala advanced to the WTA Linz Open round of 16 after outclassing Austria's Julia Grabher in her opening match early Wednesday morning (Philippine time).

Alex Eala trounces Julia Grabher to advance in Linz Open

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Alex Eala trounces Julia Grabher to advance in Linz Open

ABS-CBN News

Published April 08, 2026 02:32 AM PHT

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Updated April 08, 2026 08:02 AM PHT

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Alex Eala

Linz Open

Jelena Ostapenko

tennis

Julia Grabher

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