The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships just witnessed a seismic upset, as rising star Alexandra Eala silenced the skeptics and sent a powerful message across the WTA tour. The Filipino sensation overcame a spirited comeback from Jasmine Paolini, the No. 6 seed, securing a monumental 6-1, 7-6 (5) victory in the second round.
Key Points from Eala's Triumph:
- Alexandra Eala defeated No. 6 seed Jasmine Paolini in a thrilling second-round upset.
- This marks Eala's third career Top 10 victory, her first of 2026.
- She now boasts an impressive 3-2 winning record against Top 10 players.
- Eala advances to face Sorana Cirstea in the third round.
Eala's Dominant Start and Paolini's Fierce Fightback
From the opening serve, Eala displayed a fearless intensity. She quickly dismantled Paolini in the first set, showcasing powerful groundstrokes and tactical brilliance. The WTA 1000 event crowd watched as Eala raced to a dominant lead, seemingly cruising towards an easy victory.
However, Paolini, a formidable competitor, refused to yield. As Eala served for the match, the Italian clawed her way back, saving a staggering three match points at 3-5 in the second set. Paolini then mounted a stunning rally, winning three consecutive games to take a 6-5 lead, pushing the match into a high-stakes tie-break.
Nerves of Steel: Closing Out a Statement Victory
The tension was palpable in the tie-break. Eala found herself with another match point at 6-4, only for Paolini to save it. Yet, the young Filipino dug deep, summoning incredible composure. On her fifth match point, Eala unleashed a scorching forehand winner down the line, sealing the victory after an hour and 40 minutes of intense play. It was her 24th winner of the match, a testament to her aggressive mindset.
"All of the emotions are coming because the tension was so high, especially during that second set, so I’m really happy to have gotten through," Eala shared post-match. She acknowledged Paolini's elite status, adding, "To be able to compete at this level with her is a great achievement for me."
A Rising Star with a Winning Pedigree Against the Elite
This win against the No. 8-ranked Paolini is not just an upset; it's a significant milestone. It's Eala's third career victory over a Top 10 player, following her impressive conquests of Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek during her incredible Miami semifinal run last year.
Even more remarkably, Eala now holds a 3-2 winning record against Top 10 opponents. All three of her wins have come in straight sets, underscoring her ability to perform under pressure against the sport's biggest names. This consistent performance against elite competition solidifies her status as a genuine rising star on the global tennis stage.
What's Next for the Filipino Phenom in Dubai?
The journey continues for Alexandra Eala in Dubai. She is set for a compelling third-round clash against Sorana Cirstea. Interestingly, Cirstea also pulled off an upset in her second-round match, dispatching No. 10 seed Linda Noskova in straight sets. This promises to be a thrilling encounter between two players riding a wave of momentum.
