Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177137774538920260217170212_ee6f0d5e23b13a30deeafcc05c19316803fa3966e292ac7b54684ed8244d7376.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Alex Eala during the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open quarterfinals at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila on January 29, 2026. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File</span></span></span></div><p>MANILA <strong>(4th UPDATE)</strong> — Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala pulled off a massive upset win over world no. 8 and former tournament champion Jasmine Paolini of Italy, 6-1 7-6 (7-5), to advance to the third round of the Dubai Tennis Championships on Wednesday morning (Philippine time).</p><p>From the opening point, Eala was locked in. An ace on just the second point of the match set the tone. </p><p>The Filipina held confidently for 1-0, striking the ball cleanly and feeding off a roaring crowd that cheered nearly every point she won.</p><p>At 2-1, Eala held at love behind strong serving and fearless groundstrokes. Moments later, she broke Paolini for a 3-1 lead with sharp, aggressive returning as the Italian struggled to land first serves.</p><p>The momentum only grew stronger.</p><p>Eala fired her second ace of the match to surge ahead 5-1, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Two massive first serves gave her set point, and she sealed the opener in style — a booming serve followed by a forehand winner. </p><p>In just 25 minutes, Eala had claimed the first set, 6-1.</p><p>Paolini responded in the second set with more energy and improved serving, taking the opening game. But Eala answered immediately.</p><p>Two spectacular passing shots set up break point, and she outplayed Paolini in a thrilling exchange before pumping her fist toward her team with a loud “Vamos!” The Filipina grabbed another break to lead 2-1.</p><p>Paolini clawed her way back, breaking at 3-3 to level the set. The tension rose as both players traded holds. Eala fired herself up at 4-3, igniting chants of “Let’s go Alex!” from the crowd.</p><p>Paolini eventually tied it at 5-5, and despite committing two double faults in the 11th game, managed to hold serve to lead 6-5 — her first lead of the entire match.</p><p>But Eala showed composure beyond her years. Serving to stay in the set, she dug deep and forced a tiebreak at 6-6.</p><p>In the breaker, Eala opened with a stunning backhand down-the-line winner off a second serve. The mini-battle swung back and forth, with Paolini briefly taking a 3-2 edge.</p><p>At 6-5, Eala stood on match point.</p><p>Moments later, she sealed it — 7-5 in the tiebreak — completing a statement victory over another Top 10 opponent.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>&#x27;I REALLY HAD TO GIVE EVERYTHING I GOT&#x27;</strong></div><p>With the victory, Eala marches into the Round of 16 where she will face World No. 32 Sorana Cirstea.</p><p>&quot;I’m really happy to have gotten through. She’s a great opponent obviously being top 10. To be able to compete with her at this level is a great achievement for me,&quot; Eala said after the match.</p><p>In the tiebreak, she said she was “trying everything” to keep herself in check. </p><p>“I was thinking that this stadium is full of Filipinos. Tapos sabi ko ilan kaya sa inyo ‘yung nagdadasal para sa akin? So I really had to give everything I got,&quot; she said with a laugh. </p><p>“It’s my first time playing this tournament so I really appreciate the love, everyone. Thank you!”</p><p>The Dubai Tennis Championships is Eala’s sixth tournament of the year. </p><p>The world no. 47&#x27;s lone pro title so far is the WTA 125 title in Guadalajara last year.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C4SG9USU5aI??si=OHAHAEOTJjF6RSgU&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/We3nsFjQl6I?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala pulled off a massive upset win over world no. 8 and former tournament champion Jasmine Paolini of Italy, 6-1 7-6 (7-5), to advance to the third round of the Dubai Tennis Championships on Wednesday morning (Philippine time).</p>

Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala pulled off a massive upset win over world no. 8 and former tournament champion Jasmine Paolini of Italy, 6-1 7-6 (7-5), to advance to the third round of the Dubai Tennis Championships on Wednesday morning (Philippine time).

Alex Eala stuns world no. 8 Paolini to advance in Dubai Championships

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Alex Eala stuns world no. 8 Paolini to advance in Dubai Championships

Jojo Pasion Malig,

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 18, 2026 02:16 AM PHT

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Updated February 18, 2026 03:59 PM PHT

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Alex Eala

tennis

Jasmine Paolini

Dubai Tennis Championships

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