Alexandra Eala pulled off a massive upset by defeating Jasmine Paolini at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
After advancing past Hailey Baptiste in the first round, Eala was the underdog heading into Tuesday’s showpiece spectacle on the Dubai Centre Court.
From the start of the match, Eala dictated the pace of play, suffocating Paolini’s groundstrokes on her way to a 6-1 first-set lead.
It was more of the same in the second set, as Eala raced out to a 5-3 lead. The Filipina then squandered three match-point opportunities, before eventually winning the second set 7-6.
What is the best win of Alexandra Eala’s career so far? 🤔
Iga Swiatek in Miami, Clara Tauson at the US Open, Jasmine Paolini in Dubai, or a different match?
Eala offered her immediate reaction after the stunning victory, which saw her break one of Naomi Osaka’s records.
Alexandra Eala breaks Naomi Osaka’s Asian record
As per OptaAce, Alexandra Eala is now the youngest Asian player to claim WTA top-10 wins at multiple Tier I/WTA-1000 events.
Eala has achieved the feat at 20 years and 268 days. Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, claimed two WTA top-10 wins at multiple Tier I/WTA-1000 events at 20 years and 350 days.
After defeating Paolini on Tuesday, Eala has now recorded three victories against top-10 players on the WTA Tour.
Eala’s first two top-10 wins came at the 2025 Miami Open, where she defeated Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek on her way to the semi-finals.
Eala will look to continue her good form when she faces Sorana Cirstea in the Dubai Tennis Championships third round.
Cirstea is on a seven-match winning streak after winning the Transylvania Open and her first two matches in Dubai.
The Romanian defeated Eala in their one previous meeting at the 2024 Madrid Open.
What does Alexandra Eala need to improve in 2026 to challenge for a Grand Slam title?
Eala discusses what she has learned after a ‘whirlwind’ start to 2026
Eala has had a busy schedule to start the year, having competed in the ASB Classic, Kooyong Classic, Australian Open, Philippine Women’s Open, Qatar Open and Dubai Tennis Championships.
After defeating Paolini in Dubai, one reporter asked Eala to reflect on what she has learned after her ‘whirlwind’ start to the year.
“As the Miami anniversary comes up, I would be coming up on one year of full, really full just WTA tournaments. So I think that comes with a lot of learnings as well, a lot of maturity.
“Especially this past year, 2026, has brought me a lot of love and a lot of attention from the fans (smiling). It does come with its set of struggles and set of sacrifices.
“But I think in the end I need to remind myself that this is what I’ve been working my whole life for. How many people would love to be in my position? I make it a point every day to really give my all and be grateful for what I have.”
Eala is entering a crucial stage in her career: the Filipina has 390 WTA ranking points to defend at the Miami Open and will need to perform well at the event to avoid a fall in the rankings.
| Round | Opponent | Score |
| R128 | Katy Volynets | 6-3, 7-6 |
| R64 | Jelena Ostapenko | 7-6, 7-5 |
| R32 | Madison Keys | 6-4, 6-2 |
| R16 | Paula Badosa | WALKOVER |
| Quarter-finals | Iga Swiatek | 6-2, 7-5 |
| Semi-finals | Jessica Pegula | 6-7, 7-5, 3-6 |
Of course, Eala could mitigate any potential disappointment in Miami by continuing her strong run in Dubai when she faces Sorana Cirstea on Wednesday.
