Filipina tennis player Alex Eala. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA — A familiar face stands in the way of Alex Eala, who is looking not only to advance in the 2026 Berlin Open but also to set up a potential clash with WTA World No. 2 Elena Rybakina.
The 21-year-old Filipina star is set to face Donna Vekic in the opening round on Monday (Manila time), rekindling a matchup from earlier this year.
Eala previously defeated the 29-year-old Vekic in the Round of 32 of the ASB Classic in New Zealand on January 6, rallying for a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory.
The Filipina tennis ace is hoping to recover, however, as Eala is coming off a tough 2-6, 2-6 loss to American Iva Jovic last Wednesday, June 10, in the 2026 HSBC Championships.
Vekic, for her part, will take on Great Britain's Emma Raducanu later on Sunday before turning her attention to a rematch with Eala.
Meanwhile, Rybakina has already secured a spot in the second round as the tournament's No. 2 seed.