Filipina Tennis Ace Alex Eala Triumphs in WTA Abu Dhabi Open First Round
Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala has successfully advanced to the second round of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 500 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open in singles competition. She achieved this milestone with an impressive straight-sets victory over Zeynep Sonmez of Turkey in the Round of 32, held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Philippine time.
Dominant Performance Against Sonmez
Eala, who recently climbed to her career-best world ranking of No. 45, faced little resistance in this match, decisively dispatching her opponent, who is ranked No. 79 globally. The match concluded in just two sets with scores of 6-4, 6-3, showcasing Eala's growing prowess on the international tennis stage.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
The encounter began with Eala securing the first set, setting a confident tone for the remainder of the match. In the second set, she quickly established a 3-0 lead, appearing poised to dominate. However, Sonmez mounted a brief comeback, winning two consecutive games to narrow the gap to 3-2.
Undeterred, Eala regained her momentum, extending her lead to 4-2. Sonmez managed to claw back one more game, making it 4-3, but Eala demonstrated her resilience by winning the next two games in a row. This decisive finish ensured there was no need for a third set, allowing her to clinch the match efficiently.
Gratitude to Supporters and Upcoming Matches
Following her victory, Eala expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who were present to witness her performance in person. In a statement, she said, "Maraming salamat sa suporta, kababayan. Kita-kits sa 2nd round!" This highlights the strong connection she maintains with her Filipino fans, even while competing abroad.
Before focusing on her second-round singles match, Eala is set to participate in the doubles event of the tournament. She will partner with Janice Tjen of Indonesia, adding another layer of excitement to her campaign at the Abu Dhabi Open.
Implications for Eala's Career
This win marks a significant step forward for Eala as she continues to build her reputation in professional tennis. Her ability to handle pressure and secure victories against higher-ranked opponents underscores her potential for future success in WTA tournaments. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as she progresses further in this competition.
