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Eala delights Filipino fans in Abu Dhabi with commanding win
The world number 45, who lost in the Australian Open first round last month, will hope to make a deep run in Abu Dhabi after her easy win on Monday
- PUBLISHED: Tue 3 Feb 2026, 12:08 AM
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Filipina sensation Alexandra Eala got off to a fantastic start at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open on Monday with a straight set 6-4 6-3 win over Zeynep Sonmez of Turkey.
The 20-year-old arrived at the Capital following her quarterfinal setback at the WTA 125 (Challenger) tournament last week in Manilla. But on Monday, the talented left-hander was in dominant form, much to the joy of her Filipino supporters at Zayden Sports City in Abu Dhabi.
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The world number 45, who lost in the Australian Open first round last month, will hope to make a deep run in Abu Dhabi.
“Recently I’ve been playing in front of so many big crowds and I’m starting to find my groove a bit. I really appreciate all the fans coming to watch me with their families, especially on weekdays,” said Eala who also greeted Alfonso Ferdinand Ver - the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, following the match.
Meanwhile, seventh seed Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia clinched a three-set thriller against Oksana Selekhmeteva of Russia 5-7, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 in another round of 32 clash.
Brazilian star Beatriz Haddad Maia was knocked out by Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine 6-2 7-5.
Nigel Gupta, Tournament Director at Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, was delighted with the quality of tennis on display. “It was another wonderful day of tennis in Abu Dhabi. It’s been fantastic to see such strong crowds throughout the event, and especially to see so many schoolchildren enjoying the experience today,” Gupta said.
“The draw produced a mouth-watering match-up between two highly supported players, and while there could only be one winner, congratulations to Eala. We’re really looking forward to what the rest of the week has in store.”
Rituraj Borkakoty is Sports Editor and has spent more than two decades writing on his sporting heroes. He also loves an underdog story, so if you have one, share it with him. He would love to bring it to life.
