Eala blasts Turkish foeMANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala gave justice to her new career-best ranking, drubbing good pal Zeynep Sonmez of Turkey, 6-4, 6-3, in a rousing opener in the WTA500 Abu Dhabi Open at the Zayed Sports City International Center. Showered with cheers and chants of “E-a-la, E-a-la” from the huge Filipino audience, the 20-year-old sensation delivered strong closeouts for the straight-sets win in 89 minutes. 45 Eala to arrange a duel against the 31-year-old Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus in the Round of 16. “I’m so honored to share the court with one of my closest friends, Zeynep. Eala and Sonmez, WTA No.

Source: Philippine Star February 03, 2026 16:45 UTC