Alexandra Eala’s time at the Qatar Open came to an end in the first round at the hands of Tereza Valentova.
Eala vs Valentova was moved to centre court in Qatar, such is the Filipina’s sudden popularity in the Middle East.
The 20-year-old qualified through her ranking, while Valentova qualified for the event, but the Czech star outclassed Eala with a 7-6 6-1 victory.
After the match, Valentova praised the crowd, but admitted that she’s played in front of one ‘bigger’ stadium.
Tereza Valentova hails ‘amazing’ Qatar Open crowd after Alexandra Eala victory
Valentova looked impressive as she dismantled Eala to set up her second round match with her compatriot Karolina Pliskova.
Speaking on-court after the match, the Czech star said: “It was a really challenging match. I was really prepared for it. I think I did a pretty good job. I know you wanted her to win, but the atmosphere was amazing.
“I was just enjoying the moment here and I think she’s a really good player, she’s a really good fighter, so it was a really good match.”
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However, Valentova said she was well prepared for the raucous atmosphere due to her Roland Garros 2025 appearance.
The star played Frenchwoman Chloé Paquet in the first round of Roland Garros last year, and defeated her in three sets to deflate the home crowd.
After doing the same in Qatar, Valentova said Roland Garros was ‘bigger’ than the fans who flocked to see Eala.
“I think I played in front of bigger crowds in the French Open so I knew how it would work. I’m just super glad, I’m grateful that I can be here and to compete on this beautiful centre court. I’m really glad that I won this tough match.”
Valentova is currently up to World No. 39 in the WTA Tour rankings, which is a career ranking high for the teenager.
Alexandra Eala continues bizarre record in Qatar
Eala has achieved some extraordinary things in the past year, but she’s also managed to notch up a terrible record.
The 20-year-old’s first round match against Valentova continues Eala’s horrible losing streak against Czech players.
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She has now lost 11 times in a row against Czech stars, dating back to her time on the ITF tour, without picking up a single victory.
| Alexandra Eala’s losing streak against Czech players | Tournament | Result |
| Tereza Valentova | 2026 Qatar Open | L |
| Tereza Valentova | 2025 Japan Open | L |
| Marketa Vondrousova | 2025 Canadian Open | L |
| Barbora Krejcikova | 2025 Wimbledon | L |
| Linda Fruhvirtova | 2025 Birmingham Open | L |
| Marie Bouzkova | 2024 Jiangxi Open | L |
| Katerina Siniakova | 2024 Wuhan Open | L |
| Marie Bouzkova | 2024 Guadalajara Open | L |
| Tereza Martincova | 2024 ITF Slovakia | L |
| Anastasia Zarycka | 2022 ITF Grand Canaria | L |
Eala has now lost to the likes of Marketa Vondrousova, Barbora Krejcikova, and Katerina Siniakova on her wretched run.
The star has now also lost to Valentova twice in a row, having been defeated by the teenager at the Japan Women’s Open last year.
