SET 1 UPDATE: Alex Eala wins first set 6-4 vs Grabher at 2026 Linz Open

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SET 1 UPDATE: Alex Eala wins first set 6-4 vs Grabher at 2026 Linz Open image

By Joel Reyes

Alex Eala got off to a strong start on her 2026 clay debut, taking the opening set 6-4 against Julia Grabher 6-4 in their first-round clash at the Linz Open on Wednesday morning (PH time).

Eala needed 58 minutes to win the first set against the Austrian No. 1. She had 11 winners and 11 unforced errors. The Filipina tennis star was immediately tested in her opening service game, saving several break points before grabbing the hold to take a 1-0 lead.

Eala’s serve again faced trouble in the seventh game with the first set tied at 3-3. The Quezon City native raced to a 40-15 lead, but then committed back-to-back double faults to let Grabher back into the game. Eala later faced a couple of break points, both of which she saved, before holding her serve to take a 4-3 advantage.

Eala picked the perfect time to grab the first break of the match, taking it during the 10th game to win the opening set 6-4.

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