Inspired by Filipino crowd, Alex Eala beats first top 10 opponent of 2026

MANILA, Philippines – With so many of her compatriots rooting for her, Alex Eala refused to let them down.

Playing before a sizable Filipino crowd in the Dubai Tennis Championships, Eala dug deep and pulled off a 6-1, 7-6 (5) upset over world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini of Italy on Tuesday, February 17 (Wednesday, February 18, Manila time), to clinch her place in the round of 16.

Eala fought back from a 5-6 deficit in the second set and came out triumphant in a nervy tiebreak as the 20-year-old claimed her first win against a top 10 opponent for 2026.

“In the tiebreak, I was trying everything to keep myself in check, and in the change of ends, I was thinking this stadium is full of Filipinos,” said Eala. “I thought how many of them are probably praying for me to win, so I really had to give everything I got.” 

Eala moved on the cusp of the straight-sets win at 5-3 only to lose the next three games as Paolini — the 2024 champion of this WTA 1000 tournament — surged ahead at 6-5 to get a crack at forcing a deciding set.

But Eala held serve in a stressful 12th game that needed three deuces to arrange a tiebreak, where she broke away from a 4-4 deadlock by winning three of the next four points to advance.

Eala sealed the stunning victory over Paolini, a Wimbledon and French Open finalist, with a forehand winner. 

“The tension was so high, especially during that second set, so I’m really happy to have gotten through. She’s a great opponent, obviously being top 10, a former champion here. To be able to compete with her at this level is a great achievement for me,” said Eala.

Up next for Eala is world No. 32 Sorana Cirstea of Romania on Wednesday, February 18 (Thursday, February 19, Manila time).

Now through to the last 16, Eala hopes to replicate her deep run in the 2025 Miami Open, where she reached the semifinals in a campaign that propelled her to great heights. – Rappler.com