By Joel Reyes
Alex Eala and Nikola Bartunkova made an early exit at the 2026 Birmingham Open, losing in the first round to Harriet Dart and Maia Lumsden 4-6, 6-2, 9-11 in their women's doubles clash on Monday.
It was a disappointing defeat for Eala and Bartunkova, who were at match point after taking a 9-8 lead in the decider. Dart and Lumsden held their composure, though, winning the next three points to grab the victory in their Round of 16 match.
Eala's stint in Birmingham isn't over, though, as she is set to compete in the women's singles event on Tuesday. The Filipina tennis star will face Priscilla Hon in the first round, with Eala the favorite as the No. 1 seed.