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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Alex Eala downs Sonmez to jumpstart Abu Dhabi Open campaign

Alex Eala downs Sonmez to jumpstart Abu Dhabi Open campaign

Published Feb 3, 2026 06:54 am

At A Glance

  • Backed by an energetic, largely Filipino crowd, the Filipina ace seized a 3-1 lead after an early break and stood firm when Sonmez clawed back to level the first set at 3-all.
Alex Eala. (File Photo/ AP)
Alex Eala. (File Photo/ AP)
Alex Eala made her title campaign felt at the Abu Dhabi Open after cruising past Zeynep Sonmez, 6-4, 6-3, in the opening round early Tuesday, Feb. 3 (Philippine time) in United Arab Emirates.
Backed by an energetic, largely Filipino crowd, the Filipina ace seized a 3-1 lead after an early break and stood firm when Sonmez clawed back to level the first set at 3-all.
From there, Eala took control, dictating the pace and capitalizing on six break points to seal a confident straight-sets win.
After the match, the Filipina star gamely signed autographs for eager fans.
With the triumph, the world No. 45 Eala arranged a Round of 16 meeting with Aliaksandra Sasnovich, who pulled off one of the day’s biggest upsets by stunning eighth seed Paula Badosa, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1.
At 31, Sasnovich brings extensive experience, having reached a career-best ranking of  No. 29 and captured 11 International Tennis Federation (ITF) titles.
She advanced to the fourth round at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships and the 2022 French Open, and was a doubles semifinalist at the 2019 US Open.
The Belarusian is currently ranked No. 109.
Although ahead in rankings with a career-best No. 45, Eala is not taking her next opponent lightly.
Despite holding the higher ranking and a career-high No. 45, Eala is not taking her next opponent lightly.
The 20-year-old is expected to draw confidence from her recent strong performances, particularly at last week’s Philippine Women’s Open, where she reached the quarterfinals.
Eala is also scheduled to compete later in the day in the doubles event with Indonesian partner Janice Tjen against Canadian standout of Filipino descent Leylah Fernandez and multiple Grand Slam doubles champion Kristina Mladenovic.
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