Filipina star Eala battles past Sasnovich to reach quarters

On a truly dramatic day at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra Eala delivered one of the most unforgettable performances of the tournament, producing a show-stopping, near three-hour epic against Aliaksandra Sasnovich on Stadium Court.

The match showcased not only Eala’s immense skill but also her remarkable composure and fighting spirit under pressure.

Facing a daunting 4-0 deficit in the deciding set, Eala refused to bow to the odds. Every shot reflected precision, courage, and determination, as she gradually clawed her way back into the contest.

The packed stadium played its part, with fans’ roaring support creating an electrifying atmosphere that seemed to lift the young Filipina at every critical moment.

As the match edged into a tense tiebreak, Eala’s resilience shone brightest. With each point, she dismantled Sasnovich’s advantage, ultimately sealing a hard-fought victory that secured her spot in the quarter-finals. Her comeback was more than just a win—it was a statement of talent, grit, and mental fortitude.

The stands erupted in jubilation as Eala celebrated, marking her triumph as one of the defining and most electrifying moments of the Abu Dhabi Open so far.

“The support is really great (in Abu Dhabi), said Eala following her victory.

“I’ve been in a lot of positions before with a lot of people, but this year has really stepped up a notch. With every match I play in these environments, I’m learning to have fun and enjoy it. What’s special here is seeing the crowd get excited, and knowing there are so many Filipino expats in the region who come together for moments like this. It’s a platform for them to celebrate and share in something they’re excited about. I’m really grateful for that support.”

Earlier in the day at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, the action on the courts delivered plenty of drama and excitement. Russian star Ekaterina Alexandrova asserted her dominance, overpowering Dayana Yastremska in straight sets to book her place in the next round with clinical precision.

Meanwhile, Czech qualifier Sara Belem produced one of the day’s standout moments, orchestrating a stunning upset over former finalist Jelena Ostapenko and announcing herself as a serious contender in the tournament.

British No. 2 Sonay Kartal also made a strong statement, advancing comfortably in straight sets against lucky loser Renata Zarazua.

Zarazua had been granted a second chance in the draw after defending champion Belinda Bencic was forced to withdraw due to illness, highlighting the unpredictable twists that have defined the tournament so far.

The doubles draw also delivered thrilling encounters. In a tense quarter-final clash, Perez and Schurs edged past Alexandrova and Joint in a nail-biting super tiebreak, while Khromacheva and Klepac fought their way through a hard-fought three-set battle to progress.

Meanwhile, former Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin and Krawczyk advanced via walkover, setting up intriguing possibilities in the later stages of the doubles competition.

Beyond the courts, players connected with fans through an array of off-court experiences during ‘Girls and Women in Sports Day’. Danish star Clara Tauson held an exclusive Q&A session in the Mubadala Hospitality Pavilion, while American Hailey Baptiste delighted fans through a special behind-the-scenes meet-and-greet experience. A Sport Industry Forum brought together key stakeholders from Mubadala, Mercedes-Benz, and the WTA for panel discussions and athlete-led conversations celebrating women in professional sport, featuring Emirati racing driver Hamda Al Qubaisi and Formula 4 powerboat driver Alia Abdulsalam Fairooz.

Nigel Gupta, Tournament Director of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, said: “Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open was incredibly special and perfectly timed. As a WTA 500 tournament, we are privileged to host some of the most inspiring female athletes in the world, providing a platform that showcases excellence, determination, and opportunity.”

Around the venue, crowds of schoolchildren gathered at Centre Court to experience the electricity of world-class women’s tennis, with students from schools across Abu Dhabi continuing to take advantage of the tournament’s free-entry initiative for children.

Elsewhere, wheelchair tennis stars María Angelica Bernal and Jiske Griffioen visited Healthpoint Hospital this morning, exploring firsthand how the tournament’s main medical partner supports patients with disabilities and spinal injuries through physiotherapy and rehabilitation programmes.