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Alex Eala Stuns Jasmine Paolini to Reach Dubai Round of 16
Eala won 86% of her first-serve points and defeated the 2024 Dubai champion to reach the Round of 16 at the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
- On Feb 17, 2026, Alexandra Eala defeated World No. 8 Jasmine Paolini 6-1, 7-6 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, reaching the Round of 16.
- Eala's improved serve set up aggressive baseline play, winning 86% of first-serve points and leading 7-2 in winners to control key rallies.
- After breaking early, Eala ran off five straight games for a 6-1 first set, then won a dramatic tiebreak despite Paolini saving three match points in one hour and 40 minutes.
- The win secures a last-16 meeting with world No 32 Sorana Cirstea and marks Eala's third top-10 victory after beating Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys last year.
- Paolini, the 2024 Dubai champion, and 2024 French Open and Wimbledon runner-up, faced Eala who celebrated amid a loud Filipino crowd, showing the win's deep resonance at home.
13 Articles
13 Articles
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 trium…
Alex Eala beats World No 8 Jasmine Paolini at Dubai Championships
Alex Eala stuns World No. 8 Jasmine Paolini in straight sets at the Dubai Championships, advancing to the round of 16. The Filipina star's impressive performance and the support of a passionate crowd fueled her victory, setting up a thrilling match against Sorana Cirstea.
Alex Eala stuns Jasmine Paolini to reach Dubai round of 16
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala eliminated World No. 8 Jasmine Paolini, 6-1, 7-6(5) to barge into the Round of 16 of the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships early Wednesday (Manila Time). Buoyed by a boisterous Filipino crowd at Center Court, Eala showcased steely resolve in the second-set tiebreak to seal the sweep against the 2024 champion of the WTA 1000 event. READ: No doubt Alex Eala is biggest PH sports figure of the year “All the emotions are…
Alex Eala survives Jasmine Paolini test, moves into Dubai Tennis Championships Round of 16
Alexandra “Alex” Eala survived a tough challenge from Jasmine Paolini, 6-1, 7-6(5), in the Round of 32 of the Dubai Tennis Championships early Wednesday to advance to the next round.
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