Quick Read
- Alexandra Eala lost to Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3, 6-3 in the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open quarterfinals on February 5, 2026.
- Eala reached the quarterfinals after a dramatic second-round victory over Aliaksandra Sasnovich, saving a match point.
- This marks Eala’s fifth career quarterfinal appearance at the WTA Tour level.
- She will compete in the Qatar Open and the BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells) in March.
- Eala secured direct entry into WTA 1000 tournaments this year, a progression from previous wildcard entries.
ABU DHABI (Azat TV) – Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra Eala’s impressive singles campaign at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open concluded on Thursday, February 5, 2026, after she fell to the tournament’s No. 2 seed, Ekaterina Alexandrova, in the quarterfinals. Despite the straight-sets defeat, Eala’s deep run, highlighted by a dramatic comeback victory, underscores her growing presence on the WTA Tour as she prepares for a packed schedule of high-profile tournaments.
Eala’s Abu Dhabi Campaign Concludes
The 20-year-old Eala, who had captivated audiences with her resilient performances, was defeated by Russia’s Alexandrova with a score of 6-3, 6-3. The world No. 11, Alexandrova, leveraged her experience to maintain control, particularly after Eala briefly erased an early 3-1 lead in the second set, as reported by GMA Integrated News.
This quarterfinal appearance marked Eala’s fifth career foray into the last eight at the WTA Tour level, a significant milestone for the rising star. Her journey to the quarterfinals began with a victory over Zeynap Sonmez, followed by her memorable second-round match.
Dramatic Second-Round Victory Fuels Eala’s Run
Eala’s path to the quarterfinals was paved by a thrilling second-round win against Aliaksandra Sasnovich, a match that showcased her tenacity and fighting spirit. Played on Wednesday, the encounter saw Eala overcome an opening set deficit and then mount a stunning comeback in the decider. After dropping the first set 2-6, Eala clawed back to win the second 6-4, forcing a third set.
In the final set, Sasnovich quickly built a commanding 4-0 lead. Eala, however, refused to yield, erasing the deficit and saving a match point before ultimately prevailing 7-6 (5) in a tiebreak after nearly three hours of play, according to WTA Tennis. “These moments are moments I only have dreamed about,” Eala stated in her on-court interview after the match, reflecting on her series of dramatic victories in the past year. The heavily pro-Filipino crowd in Abu Dhabi reportedly willed her forward throughout the intense contest.
Upcoming Schedule and Rising Profile
Following her singles exit, Eala is set to continue her Abu Dhabi campaign in the doubles tournament, where she is partnered with Janice Tjen. Her Middle East swing will then proceed to the Qatar Open, a WTA 1000 event, indicating her increasing prominence on the tour. Furthermore, Eala is confirmed to participate in the star-studded BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, scheduled from March 4 to 15, as highlighted by ABS-CBN News.
This year has seen Eala achieve significant results, including reaching the semifinals of the ASB Classic and the quarterfinals of the Philippine Women’s Open. Her direct entry into WTA 1000 tournaments like the Qatar Open and Indian Wells marks a notable progression from last year, when she primarily relied on wildcard entries for similar events such as the Dubai Open and Miami Open. This trajectory suggests a growing recognition of her talent and crowd-drawing ability on the international tennis scene.
Alexandra Eala’s consistent qualification for and performance in major tournaments, coupled with her dramatic victories, signals a pivotal phase in her career, positioning her as a formidable and engaging presence on the global tennis stage.