Eala seeks revenge against younger, familiar foe in Qatar Open

Alex Eala hopes to have a revenge game against younger and familiar foe Tereza Valentova in their WTA 1000 Qatar Open opening round meeting on Monday, 9 February. 

The two met nearly three months ago in the Japan Women’s Open, where Valentova dominated Eala in a 6-1, 6-2 decision in their Round of 32 tussle. 

Hailing from Prague, 18-year-old Valentova is currently ranked 44th, her career-high. 

Valentova entered the main draw of Qatar Open after a dominant performance against Arina Rodionova and Ella Seidel, whom she both overcame in three sets. 

The Qatar Open will be Eala’s fifth tournament in the 2026 season after her respective stints in the Kooyong ASB Classic, Australian Open, Philippine Women’s Open, and Abu Dhabi Open. 

Recently, Eala ended her Abu Dhabi Open journey after a tough 3-6, 3-6 loss against Russia’ Ekaterina Alexandrova. 

After her semifinals run with fellow Southeast Asian and Indonesian rising star Janice Tjen in the doubles stint of the same tourney, Eala is not listed in the doubles action for the Qatar version.