Taylor Fritz Eyes Fourth Eastbourne Title In Final vs Brooksby; Eala Makes History

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Posted by AI on 2025-06-28 09:36:20 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-06-28 07:06:52

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Top seed Taylor Fritz will face American Jenson Brooksby in the men's singles final at the Eastbourne Open. Filipino rising star, Alexandra Eala, made history as the first Filipino to reach a WTA Tour final after beating compatriot Mai Hontama, 6-2, 6-4, in the women's singles semifinals.

The ATP 250 event, held in England, has provided many gripping matches and is set to conclude on Sunday with Fritz, the top seed, looking to claim his fourth title here after 2019, 2020, and 2021. He has dropped only one set this week and overcame the challenge of fellow American Sam Querrey, 6-4, 6-7(10), 6-1, in the semifinals. Querrey was playing well, and Fritz credited his opponent with serving "absolutely incredible" in the second set, when he saved four consecutive break points at 3-3. "He was serving unbelievable, and I just kind of got lucky there," Fritz said. "He dumped a few of his serves, which helped me out, and I was able to get that break at the end and kind of run away with the third set."

Meanwhile, Brooksby is through to his second career final at the age of 23 and will be looking to win his first title. He overcame Dutchman Tim van Rijthoven, 6-3, 6-4, in their last-four encounter.

In the women's draw, the 18-year-old Eala continued her dream run to become the first Filipino to reach a WTA final. She stunned 2021 Wimbledon junior champion outlying, who was the defending champion here, in straight sets in the quarterfinals before dispatching Hontama, who was also looking to become the first Filipino to reach a WTA final. Eala, the world No. 156, will face unseeded Russian Varvara Gracheva, who is ranked 114th, for the championship. Eala, who is based in France, said she was excited to be in the history books as the chance to become the Philippines' first WTA champion is within reach. "I mean, this is really history right now," Eala said. "I'm just glad I got through that match, and now I have a chance to win my first WTA title."

The young gun will be hoping to continue her impressive run here despite being out of practice after a hectic clay-court season.

Go!