John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

Article (news)

Alex Eala, Janice Tjen

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770383054515625426122_927584546879406_2182633129436142892_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Alex Eala and Janice Tjen at the Abu Dhabi Open. Photo from Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open/Facebook</div>(UPDATED) The Philippines&#x27; Alex Eala and Indonesia&#x27;s Janice Tjen concluded their WTA 500 Abu Dhabi Open doubles run in the semifinals after losing to Tereza Mihalikova and Olivia Nicholls, 4-6, 2-6, on Friday evening (Manila time).Eala and Tjen showed no signs of intimidation against the seasoned top-30 doubles pair, trading holds early in the opening set as the crowd rallied behind the Filipino-Indonesian tandem, dubbed by fans as the “SEAsters.”Tjen opened the match confidently, delivering a strong first service game highlighted by four winners with Eala sharp at the net.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/2/6/alex-eala-janice-tjen-advance-to-abu-dhabi-open-doubles-semis-0125">READ: Alex Eala, Janice Tjen advance to Abu Dhabi Open doubles semis</a></div>The duo matched Mihalikova and Nicholls and stayed on serve through 4-4.Eala and Tjen earned a break point opportunity late in the first set but were unable to convert in a sudden-death deuce. The breakthrough instead came for the fourth seeds in the 10th game, as they secured the first and only break of the set to take it, 6-4.After clobbering the Southeast Asian pair in the first frame, the duo of the Slovak and British rode that momentum and cruised to a 3-0 lead in Set 2.The Eala-Tjen duo won the fourth game, saving a break point, but the rivals held serve in the ensuing game to establish a 4-1 lead.The Southeast Asians nailed the sixth game after back-to-back errors from Mihalíková and Nicholls to remain in the hunt.Eala and Tjen tore down a 40-15 lead and reach deuce, but a shot from the Pinay star went out, conceding the game for a 5-2 lead in favor of their opponents.Despite the loss for the SEA tandem, the match atmosphere stood out, with Nicholls acknowledging the energy inside the venue.“Obviously the girls we were playing against had great support from their home, so it was tough at times,” Nicholls said. “But there was a lot of cheering, and we’re so happy to play in front of so many people because we don’t get to do that very often. Thanks to all the fans that came out.”Eala continues her Middle East swing campaign in the Qatar Open, where she received a spot in the main draw, scheduled for February 8 to 14.

Tennis: Alex Eala, Janice Tjen exit Abu Dhabi Open doubles tournament

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Sports

Tennis: Alex Eala, Janice Tjen exit Abu Dhabi Open doubles tournament

Kennedy Caacbay,

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 06, 2026 09:35 PM PHT

|

Updated February 06, 2026 11:06 PM PHT

Read More:

abssports

tennis

Alex Eala

Abu Dhabi Open

Janice Tjen

ABSnews

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.