Filipina tennis player Alexandra Eala had an impressive start at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, securing a straight-set victory over Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez with a score of 6-4, 6-3. The 20-year-old showcased her skills at Zayden Sports City in Abu Dhabi, much to the delight of her Filipino fanbase.
Eala arrived in Abu Dhabi following a quarterfinal loss at a WTA 125 tournament in Manila last week. The world number 45, who experienced an early exit at the Australian Open last month, is eager to progress further in this tournament.
“I’ve been playing in front of many big crowds recently, and I’m starting to find my groove. I appreciate all the fans who come to watch me, especially on weekdays,” Eala remarked after her match. She also took a moment to greet Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, following her victory.
In another match, seventh seed Jelena Ostapenko from Latvia overcame Oksana Selekhmeteva of Russia in a gripping three-set encounter, concluding with scores of 5-7, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2.
Brazilian player Beatriz Haddad Maia did not fare as well, losing to Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska with a score of 6-2, 7-5.
Tournament Director Nigel Gupta expressed his satisfaction with the day’s events, highlighting the high level of tennis and the enthusiastic crowds. “It was another wonderful day of tennis in Abu Dhabi. It’s fantastic to see strong attendance throughout the event, especially from schoolchildren enjoying the experience,” Gupta stated.
He praised the match-up between Eala and Sonmez, adding, “While there could only be one winner, congratulations to Eala. We’re looking forward to what the rest of the week has in store.”