In a thrilling championship match, Alex Eala faced 19-year-old Maya Joint, resulting in a rigorous three-set battle. After losing the first set 4-6, Eala made a strong comeback, dominating the second set 6-1.
The deciding set was filled with momentum shifts, with Eala holding four championship points in the tiebreak. However, Joint rallied back to win 7-6 (12-10). As the final point slipped away, Eala broke down in tears, but the Eastbourne crowd rose to their feet in a roaring ovation.
Despite the defeat, Eala remained composed, smiling through her tears as fans chanted her name and waved Filipino flags. “Lovely afternoon, what a cracking day, it’s so good, we’re gonna be looking up for next week!” said one of her British fans, Sam.
“Grabe! Ka-intense ng laban. You know, the outcome. We’re still very proud of you, Alex. You still have so many chances in the future,” added Filipino fan Louie Galapin.
“You’ve done well during the finals. There’s still Wimbledon and all big events coming, so keep it up! We are so very proud of you. You keep the spirit high here; even the English people are rooting for you,” said Gigi Buenaventura Perrett, who has supported Eala since the beginning of the tournament.
“Well done, Alex. It could have been your game; you played really well. You have a future ahead of you, and you made us very proud,” another supporter remarked.
Eala now shifts her focus to Wimbledon, where she is set to make her main draw debut against defending champion Barbora Krejcikova.