MANILA, Philippines — Alexandra "Alex" Eala said the loud and supportive Filipino crowd gave her a much needed extra push in her upset win against world no. 8 Jasmine Paolini of Italy at the Dubai Tennis Championships second round (round of 32) in the United Arab Emirates early Wednesday in Manila.
World no. 47 Eala outdueled Paolini, the 2024 champ of the tournament, 6-1, 7-6(5) in a 1-hour and 41-minute battle to enter the third round (round of 16) of the competition.
This is Eala's third victory against a top 10 player after Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek at the Miami Open last year.
“In the tiebreak I was trying everything to keep myself in check," said Eala in the post-match court interview at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, which turned to another de facto home court for the Filipino netter.
"In the change of ends I was thinking this stadium is full of Filipinos. I thought about how many of them are probably praying for me to win. I really have to give everything I got.”
Those prayers were certainly answered as Eala denied Paolini's third set bid despite being unable to convert three match points in the ninth game of the second frame.
Eala even trailed at 5-6 but saved two set points to push the second frame into a tiebreaker, where she proved steadier as she ended the match with a 3-1 run capped by a forehand winner.
“All the emotions are coming. The tension was so high, especially during the 2nd set. I’m really happy to have gotten through," said Eala.
"She’s a great opponent obviously being top 10 and a former champion here so to be able to compete with her at this level is a great achievement for me.”
Eala was set to face Romanian Sorana Cirstea in a rematch in the round of 16.
Eala fell to world no. 32 Cirstea in their first encounter at the 2024 Madrid Open round of 64, 3-6, 7-6 (6), 4-6.