Alex Eala continues Birmingham Open bid vs Alina Charaeva

LIVE: Alex Eala vs Alina Charaeva – Birmingham Open Round of 16

Alexandra Eala in action during the WTA 125 Birmingham Open. –BIRMINGHAM OPEN PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala continues her campaign in the WTA 125 Birmingham Open against Alina Charaeva in the Round of 16 on Thursday.

Eala, the tournament’s top seed and ranked 37 in the WTA, advanced after a dominant 6-0, 6-2 victory over Priscilla Hon in her opening match.

“It was a good performance, especially it being my first match on grass, so I’m really happy… This is a good win for me,” Eala said of first win.

Charaeva, meanwhile, ousted the erstwhile defending champion Greet Minnen in the first round.

The Filipino holds a head-to-head advantage over Charaeva, beating the 24-year-old Russian 6-1, 6-2 at the Philippine Women’s Open in January.

Eala is at the start of her grass-court season, which will culminate at Wimbledon, set to begin on June 29.