Abu Dhabi Open: Alex Eala Falls to Alexandrova in Quarterfinals
Alex Eala’s singles run at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open ended on Thursday night. The 20-year-old Filipino fell 3-6, 3-6 to World No. 11 Ekaterina Alexandrova in a straight-sets quarter-final.
Alex Eala Abu Dhabi Open: key moments
Alexandrova struck early. She broke for 2-0 and controlled the first set behind flat, aggressive hitting. Eala settled but could not claw back the deficit. The Russian served with authority and protected her lead.
Eala’s fightback, then the finish
The second set tightened. Eala trailed again yet rallied to 3-3 with cleaner first-strike tennis and deeper returns. However, Alexandrova raised her level in the closing games. She found first serves, pressed on the return, and sealed the match in two sets.
What they said
“She was fighting until the end. I knew it was going to be difficult, but the atmosphere was amazing today,” Alexandrova said courtside. “I tried to do my best, and I’m happy I was able to finish it in two sets because it was really difficult in the end.”
What’s next in the draw
Alexandrova advances to the semi-finals. She will face the winner of Liudmila Samsonova vs Hailey Baptiste.
Doubles campaign continues
Eala remains in action in doubles. She teams with Indonesia’s Janice Tjen in a quarter-final later today against Zhang Shuai and Cristina Bucșa. The pairing keeps a route to silverware alive even after the singles exit.
