Alex Eala advanced past France's Varvara Gracheva with a gritty 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 triumph in the semifinals of the Eastbourne Open on Thursday. This victory marks the second time this year that Eala has bested Gracheva,

Watch live coverage of the Eastbourne Open Finals as Alexandra Eala looks to make history by beating Maya Joint to become the first ever Philippines WTA champion and defending champion Taylor fritz takes on Jenson Brooksby in the all-American men's singles final.

Rafael Nadal congratulated his academy student, Alexandra Eala, after she reached her first WTA final at the Eastbourne Open. The 20-year-old Filipina continues to show her rapid adaptation to the top level and secured an epic victory over Varvara Gracheva.