Eala rides on Filipino thunder to silence former champion Paolini at Dubai Open

Alexandra Eala delivered a breakthrough performance at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Tuesday night, overpowering World No. 8 Jasmine Paolini 6-1, 7-6(5) to record the third top-10 victory of her career and advance to the round of 16.

Backed by a vocal, predominantly Filipino crowd that filled the 5,000-seat stadium and spilled into the surrounding Tennis Village, the 20-year-old from Quezon City played with poise and power well beyond her years.

Despite heavy strapping on her right thigh, Eala showed no visible signs of discomfort as she raced through the opening set in commanding fashion.

From the outset, Eala dictated play, breaking Paolini twice to surge ahead 5-1. The Italian, who had enjoyed strong support during her title run here last year, struggled to find rhythm, piling up unforced errors as the momentum swung firmly in Eala’s favour.

The Filipina confidently served out the first set, igniting celebrations among fans waving Philippine flags and chanting her name.

“I came out playing aggressively and really focused,” Eala said afterward. “She’s a top-10 player and such a tough competitor, so to perform at this level against her means a lot. I tried to stay brave and take my chances whenever they came.”

The second set proved more dramatic. Eala appeared on course for a straightforward finish when she led 5-3, but tension crept in as she was unable to convert three match points. Paolini capitalized on the opening, leveling the score and pushing the contest into a tiebreak after both players traded late breaks.

With the pressure mounting, Eala elevated her game once again. She attacked decisively in the breaker, maintaining composure to seal the win 7-5 and spark jubilant scenes both inside the arena and outside, where throngs of supporters had gathered to watch on big screens.

What followed was nothing short of a Filipino celebration, with waves of “Ale, Ale, Ale” echoing around the stadium as supporters made sure their cheers reached centre court.

Eala acknowledged the outpouring of support, offering a short message in Filipino after sealing the win and making history as the first player from the Philippines to advance to the Round of 16 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships since the tournament began in 2001.

Currently ranked World No. 47 — the highest ever for a Filipina — Eala continues to underline her rapid rise on the WTA Tour. Her blend of shot-making confidence and mental resilience suggests there is far more to come.

“I’m so grateful for the support,” she said with a smile. “Seeing so many Filipinos in the crowd is incredibly special. If this inspires more young girls and women to take up tennis or any sport, that would mean everything.”

Eala will next face Romanian veteran Sorana Cirstea in the last 16 after Cirstea defeated Linda Noskova earlier in the day.

“She’s very experienced and physically strong,” Eala said of her upcoming opponent. “At this stage, everyone wants to keep going — and I’m no different.”