Eala ‘on fire’ as Filipina sensation beats Jasmine Paolini to progress to last 16 in Dubai
Last-16 clashes set for Centre Court on Wednesday
DUBAI – Roared on by a rapturous Kabayan-majority crowd, Filipino sensation Alexandra Eala overpowered World No. 8 Jasmine Paolini 6-1, 7-6(5) at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Tuesday night to secure her first career victory over a top-10 player.
The 20-year-old’s breakthrough triumph at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium sets up a last-16 meeting with Romania’s Sorana Cirstea.
With John Lennon’s Imagine drifting across from the nearby Irish Village before play, Eala’s supporters dared to dream. The reality proved even better.
Breakthrough win
Ranked World No. 47 and already the highest-ranked Filipina in history, Eala displayed composure and authority beyond her years. Her right thigh was heavily bandaged, yet there were few visible signs of discomfort as she twice broke Paolini early to surge 5-1 ahead in the opening set before confidently serving it out.
Paolini, champion here in 2024, struggled to settle. Seven unforced errors in the first set proved costly as the sold-out 5,000-capacity stadium erupted with every Eala winner. The Italian, who had previously enjoyed strong backing in Dubai, found the atmosphere markedly different this time.
“I think today I came out on fire,” said Eala. “She’s a great opponent obviously being top 10. To be able to compete with her at this level is a great achievement for me. She is an incredible fighter, to be sure, but I was very focused and I was able to maintain that throughout the whole match.”
The second set threatened to turn. Leading 5-3, Eala failed to convert three match points and was broken when serving for the match at 5-4. Paolini rallied to 6-5 and twice stood two points away from forcing a decider, but could not capitalise.
In the ensuing tie-break, Eala elevated her level once more, sealing the contest 7-5 to spark celebrations inside the arena and in the Tennis Village, where fans gathered among Philippines flags and “Laban Alex!” banners.
“I looked up and there were Filipinos for days,” she said. “It’s really such a blessing to be able to play in these sorts of atmospheres.”
Eala returns to Centre Court on Wednesday to face Cirstea, who defeated Linda Noskova 6-1, 6-4 earlier in the day.
Rybakina imperious
Earlier in the evening, top seed Elena Rybakina delivered a commanding performance against Australian qualifier Kimberly Birrell. The reigning Australian Open champion, who resides in Dubai, looked entirely at ease on familiar ground.
Racing into a 5-0 lead inside 20 minutes, Rybakina dropped just one point across the first three games and wrapped up the opening set 6-1. Her powerful serve consistently troubled Birrell, while deft touches at the net underlined her versatility.
“To return well is an important part of the game,” said Rybakina. “Where I have the best control is my serve because no one is playing to you – it’s your pace.”
The second set followed a similar pattern. Another five-game streak carried her to 5-1 before she closed out a 6-1, 6-2 victory. Birrell, ranked more than 90 places below her, had few answers to the 26-year-old’s precision and depth.
“I’m happy I stayed solid and won this in straight sets,” added Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion. “I spend so much time in Dubai that it feels like home.”
She will next meet Lucky Loser Antonia Ružić, who has battled through three consecutive three-set matches, including a Round of 32 win over British No. 1 Emma Raducanu.
Big names advance
Two-time Dubai champion Elina Svitolina also progressed to the last 16 and will face Belinda Bencic on Wednesday. The Ukrainian, champion here in 2017 and 2018, advanced after Dubai-based Paula Badosa retired at the start of the second set, having lost the first 4-6.
The 26th edition of the annual WTA tournament runs until 21 February and features 16 of the world’s top 20 ranked players and 35 of the top 40. The event is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
It will be followed by the emirate’s ATP 500 men’s tournament from 23 to 28 February.
Tickets for the 2026 Championships remain available across multiple categories, with prices starting from Dh65.