TENNIS: Noskova ends Alex Eala's Berlin Open run

Filipino tennis phenom Alex Eala ends her Berlin Open run as Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic ousts her in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4 on Saturday, June 20. .

Noskova will meet Jessica Pegula of the US in the finals. Pegula, the world no. 4, beat the world's number one tennis player Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-7, 6-0 with Sabalenka scoring her second bagel in her last two tournaments.

Eala, ranked 35, also lost to the world no. 13 Noskova in their first encounter at Indian Wells last March, in two sets 6-2, 6-0.

Prior to her defeat, Eala has not lost a set in the grass courts of the WTA 500 Berlin Open. The Filipina crowd favorite defeated world no. 8 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine 7-5, 6-4 in the quarterfinals; world no. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan 7-5 6-4 in the round of 16, and world no. 33 Donna Vekic of Croatia 7-5, 6-4 in the round of 32.

Eala has performed exceptionally well in grass this season as she also took the trophy in the WTA 125 Birmingham Classic last June 7. Wimbledon, played on grass and considered by many as the most prestigious Grand Slam event, is set to start in a week.

Eala is projected to be included in the roster of qualifiers after her successive wins in the Berlin Open and as champion of the Birmingham Classic.