Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra “Alex” Eala achieved a remarkable feat by defeating world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini in the Round of 32 at the Dubai Tennis Championships. This victory not only showcases Eala’s growing prowess on the court but also marks her third triumph over a Top 10 player, adding to her previous wins against Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys during her impressive run at the Miami Open last year.
Eala is set to face a significant challenge in the Round of 16 against Romania’s Sorana Cirstea. Currently ranked No. 32, Cirstea is an experienced competitor who reached her career-high ranking of No. 21 over a decade ago. With four WTA singles titles to her name, she recently claimed victory at the WTA 250 Transylvania Open, adding to her momentum after a commanding campaign in Cluj-Napoca. Cirstea demonstrated her form by defeating Kamilla Rakhimova and Tamara Zidansek with considerable ease before overpowering Emma Raducanu in the finals, winning decisively 6-0, 6-2.
This upcoming match between Eala and Cirstea promises to be exciting as it is not their first encounter on hard courts. In 2024, Cirstea narrowly overcame Eala in the Round of 64 at the Madrid Open, winning 6-3, 7-6, 6-4. Eala, now aiming for redemption, is determined to secure her spot in the quarterfinals, where she could potentially face world No. 4 Coco Gauff or No. 22 Elise Mertens.
With Eala’s recent success and Cirstea’s seasoned experience, this match is set to be a thrilling display of talent and determination, further solidifying Eala’s place among the rising stars of women’s tennis.