Alex Eala kickstarted her Abu Dhabi Open campaign on a high note as she swept Zeynep Sonmez of Turkey, 6-4, 6-3, in the Round of 32 at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre on Tuesday (Manila time).

The world No. 45 Eala defeated the No. 79 Sonmez in front of a loud Filipino crowd in just 89 minutes.

"I just want to say I’m so honored to share the court with one of my closest friends, Zeynep. I admire her so much," Eala said in a post-match interview.

"She’s really making waves in many ways, and our friendship goes beyond tennis, so I’m very grateful for that."

Eala will take on Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus, ranked at no. 109, in the Last 16 on Wednesday.