ABU DHABI: Crowds flocked to Zayed Sports City’s Stadium Court on Monday night as rising Filipina star Alexandra Eala delivered a popular win at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.

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Day 3 action served some upsets, as Spanish former world No. 2 Paula Badosa was eliminated by Aliaksandra Sasnovich in a three-set thriller, while qualifier Sara Bejlek defeated last year’s finalist Ashlyn Krueger in straight sets. One of the finest matches of the day was between Maya Joint of Australia and Indonesian Janice Tjen, with the latter triumphing 7-6, 3-6, 6-3.

Tjen said after the victory: “This is my first time in Abu Dhabi and it’s been so nice. It means so much to me, the support I received today from the fans. The Indonesian fans were chanting ‘let’s go’ in my language which was amazing.”

In the evening, Jelena Ostapenko came from a set down to beat Oksana Selekhmeteva. The Latvian said after her impressive comeback: “I gave it my all on the court and am so happy with the win. The UAE is one of my favorite countries to play in and the atmosphere was amazing.”