Alex Eala’s fans were the topic of discussion again in Dubai.
The Filipina was, by far, the most supported player at this year’s Dubai Tennis Championships.
She used the crowd to help her reach the quarterfinals, but it was there that her run came to an end, as Eala lost to Coco Gauff, 0-6, 2-6.
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It’s fair to say Eala’s fans may have crossed the line in the third round against Sorana Cirstea, as many cheered the Romanian’s errors.
But while Cirstea was left frustrated, most players on the WTA Tour are happy with Eala and her fans.
World number six Amanda Anisimova certainly is…
Amanda Anisimova praises Alex Eala and says she has an ‘incredible’ fan base
During her latest press conference, Anisimova shared her thoughts on Eala.
“I love that, that she has such an incredible fan base,” said Anisimova.
“I’ve seen the atmosphere. It’s amazing.
“I think she’s also such a good representation of her country. I mean, she’s so young, and she carries herself so well. It’s so good to see.
“I caught a little bit of the beginning of her match last night.
“Yeah, I stuck around for it because the atmosphere was so great. I normally wouldn’t. But since our hotel is right at the site, it was like, Why not?
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“It was kind of getting late. That’s why I ended up leaving early.”
Anisimova was happy to see Eala take the win against Cirstea.
“Yeah, it was great to see. It’s always fun to be a spectator and not have to have so much stress around a tennis court, just be able to sit back and relax,” she said.
“Yeah, it was great to see.
“Good to see her get the win.”
Anisimova watched Eala pick up her final win of the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships.
But while the Filipina faltered, the American advanced, defeating Mirra Andreeva in a three-set thriller.
She’s now just two wins away from a third WTA 1000 title…
Amanda Anisimova’s route to the Dubai title
Next up for Anisimova is a semifinal tie against her fellow American, Jessica Pegula.
Anisimova has met Pegula four times on the WTA Tour, but has yet to record a win against the 31-year-old.
Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula’s head-to-head record
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2026 Australian Open – QF | Jessica Pegula | Amanda Anisimova | 6-2, 7-6 |
| 2024 Canadian Open – F | Jessica Pegula | Amanda Anisimova | 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 |
| 2024 Charleston Open – 2R | Jessica Pegula | Amanda Anisimova | 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 |
| 2020 Cincinnati Open – 2R | Jessica Pegula | Amanda Anisimova | 7-5, 6-2 |
If she wants to reach the Championship match in Dubai, Anisimova will need to do something she’s never done before.
Things won’t get much easier in the final…
Should she beat Pegula, Anisimova would play Gauff or Elina Svitolina for the title.
Amanda Anisimova’s head-to-head record vs Coco Gauff and Elina Svitolina
- Amanda Anisimova (2-1) vs Coco Gauff
- Amanda Anisimova (1-4) vs Elina Svitolina
Interestingly, she might prefer to play Gauff in the final.
Anisimova leads her head-to-head with the two-time Grand Slam winner, 2-1, but has struggled against Svitolina.
The American has lost her last three matches against Svitolina and hasn’t taken a set off the Ukrainian since 2021.
Anisimova won’t want to concern herself with final matchups just yet, though, as she first turns her attention to Pegula and the semifinals.
The semifinals of the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships will take place on Friday, February 20.
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