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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Alex Eala bows to Russian rival in Abu Dhabi Open

Alex Eala bows to Russian rival in Abu Dhabi Open

Published Feb 5, 2026 10:49 pm

At A Glance

  • Alex Eala failed to conjure another magical comeback as she yielded to Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova, 3-6, 3-6, in their quarterfinal clash at the WTA 500 Abu Dhabi Open in the UAE Thursday, Feb. 5.
(Screengrab from Premier Sports 2)
(Screengrab from Premier Sports 2)
Alex Eala failed to conjure another magical comeback as she yielded to Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova, 3-6, 3-6, in their quarterfinal clash at the WTA 500 Abu Dhabi Open in the UAE Thursday, Feb. 5.
With less than a day of rest after an almost three-hour match in the prior round, fatigue might have caught up the 20-year-old as she went trailing behind early to the No. 2 seed Alexandrova in both sets.
Eala, the WTA No. 45, managed to cut the margin, but the world No. 11 showed her might and made sure there was no come-from-behind win this time around for the Filipina netter.
Alexandrova became the first semifinalist and will face either No. 5 seed Russian Liudmila Samsonova or American Hailey Baptiste.
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