Alex Eala powers into Dubai second round, faces WTA No.8 Jasmine Paolini next

Alex Eala didn’t just open her Dubai campaign with a win — she opened it with intent.

A week after an early exit in Doha, the 20-year-old Filipina arrived at the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships determined to reset the narrative. On Sunday night at Center Court of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, she did exactly that, securing a 6-4, 0-1 (ret.) victory over American Hailey Baptiste in a performance that blended control, patience, and quiet authority.

It wasn’t merely about advancing. It was about reestablishing rhythm.

Baptiste, who entered the main draw as a Lucky Loser despite being the top seed in qualifying, was hardly an easy draw. The 24-year-old American had built momentum early this season, reaching the third round of the Australian Open and the semifinals of the WTA 500 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open — results that propelled her to a career-high No. 39 in the world.

Eala, now sitting one spot behind at No. 40 — also a career-best — knew exactly what she was facing.

Their history offered reassurance. Last June, Eala edged Baptiste in three sets during the qualifiers of the 2025 Eastbourne Open. That familiarity showed.

The first set unfolded as a tactical chess match. Tied at 3-3 after trading service breaks, Eala tightened her grip in the crucial seventh game, breaking Baptiste before consolidating for a 5-3 advantage. When the American tried to claw back at 5-4, Eala’s composure held firm. A steady service game sealed the opener, punctuated by her signature blend of defensive retrieval and sudden offensive shifts.

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HOPE ALL IS WELL, HAILEY

Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala and Hailey Baptiste share a hug at center court after Baptiste was forced to retire due to apparent abdomen pain in their Round of 64 clash at the WTA 1000 Dubai Tennis Championships.#AlexEala #WTA1000 #DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/xG2J2cJVGH

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) February 15, 2026

On a court buzzing with a strong Filipino presence, Eala’s scrambling defense and sharp angles consistently disrupted Baptiste’s heavy baseline power. Every extended rally tilted toward the Filipina, who dictated pace not with brute force, but with precision and anticipation.

The second set hinted at another grind. The opening game stretched through multiple deuces, with Eala pressing hard and earning four break-point opportunities. Baptiste survived the immediate threat, but the resistance didn’t last.

Citing an abdominal injury, Baptiste retired during the changeover, bringing the contest to an abrupt end.

For Eala, it marked more than a first-round victory. It was a statement of readiness.

Now, the challenge escalates sharply.

Awaiting her on Tuesday is world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini of Italy, who received a first-round bye. The 30-year-old Italian — a finalist at both the 2024 French Open and Wimbledon and a former world No. 4 — represents the kind of elite benchmark Eala is steadily chasing.

Dubai becomes the measuring stick.

With confidence restored and a career-high ranking backing her ascent, Eala steps into her next match not as an underdog content to compete — but as a rising contender eager to prove she belongs among the very best.

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