STANDING toe-to-toe with world no. 8 Jasmine Paolini, Alex Eala had her fists clenched and heart pounding as she let her emotions wash over her, carving out one of the biggest wins of her young career at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
And after beating the tournament’s 2024 champion, Jasmine Paolini, 6-1, 7-6(5) in late-night action on Center Court, Eala’s next move is simple: rest.
Long past midnight in the Philippines, the support remained loud and unwavering, which Eala, WTA no. 47, made sure to acknowledge.
READ: Fiery Alex Eala stuns world no.8 Jasmine Paolini in Dubai
“Sleep,” Eala answered a post-match inquiry on her focus. “I think it's everyone's bedtime. People probably have work. So really thank you so much for coming and supporting. It’s so nice to see the atmosphere so lively here. It’s my first time playing this tournament. So I really appreciate the love, everyone.”
Though miles away from Manila, Center Court felt like home.
The rising star matched power with poise in a tension-filled battle that tested both her nerve and belief, and delivered a breakthrough.
“Oh, I'm, you know, all the emotions are coming because the tension was so high, especially during that second set. So I'm, I'm really happy to have gotten through, you know, she's a great opponent, obviously being top 10 and a former champion here. So to be able to compete with her at this level is, is a great achievement for me," she said.
“In the tiebreak, I was trying everything to keep myself in check, and in the change events, I was thinking, you know, there, this stadium is full of Filipinos. So I really had to give everything I got.”
Moving into the Round of 16, the victory stands as proof that Eala belongs on the biggest stages —with a nation wide awake behind her.
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