Alexandra Eala now has a successful record against Top 10 players after beating Jasmine Paolini in Dubai.
Eala was full of praise for Paolini after winning their match 6-1, 7-6(7-5) to reach the last 16 of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The result has helped WTA rising star Eala to claim a positive head-to-head record over Top 10 players, which previously stood at 2-2.
It now stands at 3-2 in her favor following her success over Paolini at the Dubai Tennis Championships, and comprises a star-studded list of players.
Alexandra Eala will finish 2026 ranked — in the world
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Alexandra Eala’s winning record vs Top 10 players
Eala, who is currently ranked 47th in the world, first came up against a Top 10 player at the 2025 Miami Open.
She was ranked 140th back then and had received a wildcard, and after beating Katie Volynets, defeated Jelena Ostapenko for her first Top 30 win.
Back-to-back Top 10 victories then arrived, with the Filipina sensation knocking out both Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek.
Her dream run at the Miami Open was then ended in the semifinals, with home favorite Jessica Pegula avoiding a Top 10 upset of her own.
Shortly after at the Madrid Open, Swiatek decided to exact revenge on Eala, winning their round of 64 encounter.
But the youngster is now back to winning ways against Top 10 players after a superb victory over Paolini in Dubai.
| Tournament | Round | Opponent | Rank | Result | Score |
| 2025 Miami Open | Third | Madison Keys | 5 | Win | 6-4, 6-2 |
| 2025 Miami Open | Quarterfinals | Iga Swiatek | 2 | Win | 6-2, 7-5 |
| 2025 Miami Open | Semifinals | Jessica Pegula | 4 | Loss | 7-6, 5-7, 6-3 |
| 2025 Miami Open | Second | Iga Swiatek | 2 | Loss | 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 |
| 2026 Dubai | Second | Jasmine Paolini | 8 | Win | 6-1, 7-6 |
Alexandra Eala has become the player to avoid on the WTA Tour
Simply adding to Eala’s fantastic record against Top 10 players is the very impressive pattern of results.
All three of her wins have come in straight sets, while both of her losses went to three sets.
The 20-year-old is far from the complete package, with Eala really needing to improve her serve, but it’s clear she has the ability to cause upsets.
That is a real warning to the rest of the players on the WTA Tour, who will also be well aware of just how much support she receives wherever she goes.
Who is your favorite player – Alexandra Eala or Coco Gauff?
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Just as she did in Miami last year, Eala received a Dubai wildcard, and given her support and success so far, many more wildcards look certain.
But a significant rise in the rankings also looks like a real possibility sooner rather than later, along with a maiden career title.
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