Alex Ira struggled to make history as the first Filipino to win a WTA Tour title.
20-year-old Ira fought toe and toe for two hours and 26 minutes in a classic match between two upstarts of female tennis.
The joint opened the match with a focus on Sharp, striking a 3-0 lead and appeared to control the baseline exchange. Ira digs deep and beats serve in the ninth game to narrow the gap to 5-4, but the Australians secured a steady opening set with a timely counterbreak.
The second set was another story for Eala. She punished the forehand, found range with a more consistent serve, and broke three joints towards a dominant 6-1 set victory. Ira played with increased confidence, but the unforced error irritated the Australians.
It seemed momentum was on the side of EALA as she surged 2-0 in the deciding set and nearly 3-0. However, the joint responded with a vigorous four-game run, flipping the script to get a 4-2 lead. EALA fought back in the eighth game, leveling things out in 4-All, helping both players set up a dramatic tiebreaker.
In the final act, tension reached a fever pitch. EALA held four match points on the expansion breaker, but the joints remained composed under pressure, saving them all with bold shotmaking. Ultimately, it was the Australian who sealed the 12-10 title on the breaker after a breathtaking exchange that highlighted the calm and promises of both competitors.
Despite Ira’s heartbreak, her historic run comes when the Filipino player first reached the WTA Finals. From qualifying to championship matches, she showed off the calm, strength and potential that have long been anticipated.
Ira is now heading his attention to Wimbledon, where he will face the real-life champion and the world’s 17 Barbora Krezikova, as he will be the look of the Philippines’ second career grand slam main draw. Her breakthrough in Eastbourne may not have ended with the trophy, but it may mark the start of Ira’s ascent in Grass and the WTA Tour.
