Alexandra Eala is one of the biggest stars in professional tennis.
There’s really no arguing against it…
The Filipina attracts massive crowds wherever she goes, which can only be good news for the WTA Tour.
However, the powers that be haven’t done enough to capitalise on her popularity, and have often scheduled her at strange times, on smaller courts.
Who is your favorite player – Alexandra Eala or Coco Gauff?
Let us know why in the comments!
The 20-year-old is THE main event, whether you like it or not, and it’s going to be tricky to take the spotlight off her.
“Alex [Eala] is undeniably the most famous,” said one fan on TalkingPoints.
With that in mind, tournament organisers have finally made the right call and given her the spot she deserves at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Alexandra Eala given night session slot on Centre Court for Jasmine Paolini clash
Eala has been scheduled last on Centre Court on Tuesday, February 17, in Dubai.
Tuesday, February 17 – Order of play
| Match number | Centre Court | Court 1 | Court 2 |
| 1 | Jessica Pegula vs Varvara Gracheva | Magda Linette vs Ekaterina Alexandrova | Clara Tauson vs Peyton Stearns |
| 2 | Iva Jovic vs Diana Shnaider | Elise Mertens vs Emma Navarro | Jaqueline Cristian vs Ella Seidel |
| 3 | Coco Gauff vs Anna Kalinskaya | Antonia Ruzic vs Anastasia Zakharova | – |
| 4 | Elena Rybakina vs Kimberly Birrell | Paula Badosa vs Elina Svitolina | – |
| 5 | Alexandra Eala vs Jasmine Paolini | Linda Noskova vs Sorana Cirstea | – |
The final night session match on Centre Court is the most coveted in the sport.
Eala has often missed out on the ‘main-event spot’, but not this time.
Her first career clash with Jasmine Paolini has been chosen to finish off the day’s action in Dubai.
The stadium will be full, no doubt, just as it is whenever Eala plays.
For all the criticism the WTA Tour and tournament organisers have received recently, they deserve credit for getting this one right!
Arguably, the most popular player in women’s tennis will take on a top-10 star and two-time Grand Slam finalist on the biggest stage.
Alexandra Eala’s popularity (TalkingPoints votes)
- 79% of TalkingPoints fans picked Alex Eala as their favorite over Coco Gauff
- 89% of TalkingPoints fans picked Alex Eala as their favorite over Emma Raducanu
So the stage is set, but can Eala deliver with the world watching?
How well does Alexandra Eala perform against elite players?
The world number 47 has only played a handful of matches against top players, but her record is already impressive.
Eala is 4-4 against players ranked inside the top 20.
Alexandra Eala’s record against top 20 players (4-4)
| Match | Opponent | Opponent’s rank | Alex Eala’s rank | Result |
| 2025 Miami Open – 3R | Madison Keys | 5th | 140th | WIN |
| 2025 Miami Open – QF | Iga Swiatek | 2nd | 140th | WIN |
| 2025 Miami Open – SF | Jessica Pegula | 4th | 140th | LOSS |
| 2025 Madrid Open – 2R | Iga Swiatek | 2nd | 72nd | LOSS |
| 2025 Eastbourne – 2R | Jelena Ostapenko | 20th | 74th | WIN |
| 2025 Wimbledon – 1R | Barbora Krejcikova | 16th | 56th | LOSS |
| 2025 US Open – 1R | Clara Tauson | 14th | 75th | WIN |
| 2026 Abu Dhabi Open – QF | Ekaterina Alexandrova | 11th | 45th | LOSS |
| 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships – 2R | Jasmine Paolini | 8th | 47th | – |
She’s beaten Madison Keys, Iga Swiatek, Jelena Ostapenko, and Clara Tauson.
As evidenced by her run in Miami last year, when the lights shine brightest, so does she.
Only time will tell if Eala can pick up another memorable win when she plays Paolini for a place in the third round.
Alexandra Eala’s route to the Dubai Tennis Championships title
Eala won’t want to get ahead of herself and will first focus on Paolini, but should she advance to the third round, who’s next?
The Filipina would meet Linda Noskova or Sorana Cirstea.
Then, in the quarterfinals, she could play Coco Gauff or Elise Mertens.
Who do you think will win the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships?
Let us know why in the comments!
Elina Svitolina or Elena Rybakina in the semis, and Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, or Mirra Andreeva in the final.
If she is to go all the way and lift the title in Dubai, Eala will need to beat some of the very best players in women’s tennis.
It’s not going to be easy, but with the fans backing her all the way, you just never know…
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