ABU DHABI: Alexandra Eala returns to the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open this week carrying momentum, confidence and the chance to make history at the tournament that first launched her onto the WTA 500 stage.
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The 20-year-old Filipino star faces wildcard Zeynep Sonmez on Monday evening at the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City, marking a full-circle moment in one of tennis’ most compelling breakthrough journeys.
Eala arrived in Abu Dhabi two years ago ranked outside the world’s top 180, marking both her WTA 500 and UAE debut. She returns in 2026 as a Top 50 player — the first Filipina to achieve the milestone — following a remarkable rise that has made her one of the sport’s fastest-growing talents.
“I still remember my match here — I played Magdalena Fręch — and it was such a great learning experience for me,” Eala said as she reflected on her 2024 Abu Dhabi debut. “I think that was my first time in the UAE. A lot of new experiences, and I’ve grown a lot since then. So, let’s see how this year pans out.”
