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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Alex Eala faces Czech rising star to open bid in loaded Qatar Open

Alex Eala faces Czech rising star to open bid in loaded Qatar Open

Published Feb 8, 2026 02:24 pm

At A Glance

  • The middle east tour for Alex Eala continues as she opens her campaign in the 2026 Qatar Open against fellow rising star Teresa Valentova of Czech Republic in the Round of 64 on Monday, Feb. 9.

The Middle East tour for Alex Eala continues as she opens her campaign in the 2026 Qatar Open against fellow rising star Teresa Valentova of Czech Republic in the Round of 64 on Monday, Feb. 9.

The Filipina tennis ace is riding the crest of a quarterfinals stint in the Abu Dhabi Open and she’s looking to sustain her rise against a loaded field in the first WTA 1000 event of the season.

Eala reached the magic 8 of the tournament but lost to eventual finalist, Ekaterina Alexandrova, 3-6, 3-6.

The left-handed Filipina, along with Indonesian partner Janice Tjen, also went as far as the semifinals in the women’s doubles, defeating seeded rivals along the way before succumbing to a 4-6, 2-6 defeat at the hands of Tereza Mihalikova and Olivia Nicholls.

Out to give an early test against Eala is the 18-year-old Valentova who reached the main draw after a dominant showing in the qualifying round. 

Seeded first in the qualifying, Valentova defeated Arina Rodionova, 6-2, 2-6, 7(7)-6(3) and then Ella Seidel, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4, to arrange the first-round dance against Eala, who on the other hand, earned a main draw spot.

Eala is actually facing Valentova for the second time after crossing paths in the Japan Open where the Czech teen defeated the Filipina, 6-1, 6-2, in October last year.

The right-handed Valentova is rated No. 44 in the WTA rankings while Eala is just behind her at No. 45.

World No. 2 Iga Swiatek is pegged as the heavy favorites in the loaded roster that also featured Australian Open champion and No.3 Elen Rybakina.

Also part of the field is No.4 and defending champion Amanda Anisimova, who Eala could face if they reach as far as the round of 16. Other top contenders include world no. 5 Coco Gauff and No.7 Mirra Andreeva.

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