Eala stuns world No. 8, barges into Last 16

Alex Eala pulled off an upset in the Dubai Tennis Championships after stunning world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini of Italy, 6-1, 7-6, in the Round of 32 at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday (Manila time).

Eala, 20, needed one hour and 40 minute to pull off another victory from a Top 10 netter in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

The Rafael Nadal Academy alumna previously defeated former world No. 5 Madison Keys of the United States and world No. 2 Iga Swiatek of Poland in the Miami Open last year.

“All the emotions are coming because the tension was so high especially during that second set so I'm really happy to have gotten through,” Eala said.

“She’s a great opponent, obviously, being in the Top 10, and a former champion here. To be able to compete with her at this level is so great achievement for me.”

Next up for Eala will be world No. 32 Sorana Cirstea of Romania in the Last 32 on Wednesday at the same venue.