Eala makes Dubai last 8MANILA, Philippines — Another higher-ranked opponent, another epic sweep. Relentless Alex Eala rolled into the Last 8 of the WTA1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, hacking out a gutsy 7-5, 6-4 win over world No. 47 Eala repulsed the 35-year-old Romanian after overturning a 4-5 deficit in extended opener and breaking away in the second for the win in 98 minutes. The 15-year age gap between Eala and Cirstea was the biggest between two opponents from the Round of 16 onward in Dubai since its foundation in 2001. And with her victory, Eala recorded a second Last 8 appearance in the 1000-level tour, going with her debut stints in the four majors.

Source: Philippine Star February 19, 2026 16:05 UTC