Philippine tennis star Alex Eala is set to take part in the main draw of the WTA 500 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open 2026 in the United Arab Emirates.
Originally set to play in the qualifying rounds, Eala was given a slot in the main draw along with Victoria Mboko, Clara Tauson, Belinda Bencic, Elise Mertens, and Elena Rybakina.
In a Facebook post by the tournament late on Thursday, Eala was announced as its first wild card entry.
Her first opponent is to be determined through the official draw ceremony.
Before flying to the UAE, Eala will first take part in the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open in Manila, which will start on Monday.
The Abu Dhabi Open will start on Jan. 31. ARIC JOHN SY CUA