Filipino star Eala’s dream run continues, sets up quarter-final clash with Gauff

Beneath the floodlights of Center Court at the Dubai Tennis Stadium, packed to the rafters and roaring with national pride, Filipina star Alexandra Eala stood at the heart of the storm — and did not flinch.

Across the net was Romania’s seasoned campaigner, Sorana Cirstea. For a set and a half, she tested every inch of the Filipina’s resolve but the 20-year-old managed to turn the tide in her favour and sealed a 7-5, 6-4 triumph in one hour and 38 minutes.

The first set moved with measured tension, each of them protecting serve through ten gripping games. The Romanian edged ahead at 5-4, poised to dictate terms.

Instead, Eala answered with resolve, breaking to restore parity before stringing together two assertive games to capture the opener.

It was less a surge than a shift — a subtle turning of momentum that stirred the already animated stands into a frenzy.

What followed felt like a crescendo. Eala leapt to a 4-0 advantage in the second, her groundstrokes cracking through the humid air as chants rippled from every corner. The arena throbbed with energy — posters swaying, cheers ricocheting between rallies, even a playful sign including one that read “Alex, please marry my son”.

Cirstea steadied herself, narrowing a 5-1 deficit to 5-4 with composed service holds, but the elusive spark never fully ignited.

Eala, by contrast, radiated composure.

“The key today was staying calm and trusting my shots,” she reflected afterward.

“Every round is such a battle and so filled with tension. I’m happy with how I handled the important moments.”

Awaiting her now is a first career meeting with Coco Gauff, a pairing rich with promise.

“Win or lose, it’s an opportunity to learn,” Eala said, already looking ahead. “Coco is such an amazing person. We forget she’s just a year older than me, but she’s a role model for so many. To face her in a quarterfinal here in Dubai — that’s something special.”