Alexandra Eala gives her thoughts on Jasmine Paolini after beating her in Dubai

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Alexandra Eala has battled into the Dubai Tennis Championships round of 16 after a superb win over Jasmine Paolini.

Eala defeated sixth seed Paolini 6-1, 7-6(7-5) in their round of 32 match, earning a meeting with Sorana Cirstea.

The 20-year-old emerged victorious over Hailey Baptiste in her first match of the Dubai Tennis Championships after the American retired hurt.

Eala received huge support from the fans after knocking out Paolini, who she praised after their match at the WTA 1000 event.

Alexandra Eala praises ‘incredible fighter’ Jasmine Paolini

Eala was tasked with discussing staying composed in the match, particularly when her opponent fought hard in the tiebreak.

The victor said: “Yeah, I think she is an incredible fighter, to be sure. I think I tried to remind myself that I was doing well.

“I have to watch it again, but I don’t think I did any big disasters during those moments. She earned those points, as well.

“I think when my opportunity, that every time the opportunity arose, I tried my best to be brave and go for my ball, yeah.”

It’s a hugely significant victory for Eala, who hugely impressively now has a winning record of 3-2 against top 10 players.

Alexandra Eala left with Philippine Women’s Open regret

Eala has been one of the busiest players on the WTA Tour so far in 2026, already playing in her sixth tournament of the season.

One of those tournaments was the Philippine Women’s Open, when Manila hosted its first-ever WTA event.

Sharing her experience of the tournament, home favorite Eala said: “Yeah. Oh, my gosh, I’m really so proud that we were able to host our first WTA event.

“I think that was a milestone for sport in our country and tennis especially. I definitely would have wanted to have gone further.

“But just the fact that I was able to participate and play at home was such a great experience. Definitely memorable, yeah.”

Dubai fans receive heartfelt message from Alexandra Eala

Eala won twice before falling in the quarterfinals to Camila Osorio, who went on to clinch the WTA 125 title in Manila.

But now the Philippines star is back to winning ways in Dubai, where the top 50 player is chasing her first career title.

READ MORE: Jasmine Paolini explains why Alex Eala is already ‘huge’ for tennis

Sharing her delight at reaching the next round, Eala posted on her Instagram: “My kind of “night out”. Into the last 16, thanks for the love Dubai!”

As is the case in every match she plays, the 20-year-old is certain to attract a huge following for her meeting with Cirstea.

But she will be well aware of the big challenge ahead, with her next opponent having recently won the Transylvania Open, her home tournament.

The Romanian, who is playing her last season on the WTA Tour, is ranked 32nd in the world, with Eala currently 47th.

Moreover, Cirstea holds a 1-0 head-to-head record over the Philippines star, winning their round of 64 clash in Madrid in 2024.