Alex Eala to fans after Dubai R32 win over Jasmine Paolini: ‘Ilan kaya sa inyo 'yung nagdadasal para sa akin?’

Alexandra “Alex” Eala overcame a tough challenge from world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini of Italy, 6-1, 7-6(5), in the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships on early Wednesday (Philippine time) to advance to the Round of 16.

After grinding out the hard-earned win, Eala let her emotions pour out in the stadium.

It marked her third career victory over a Top 10 opponent, following her wins against Madison Keys (No. 5) and Iga Swiatek (No. 2) at the Miami Open last year.

“All the emotions are coming [out] because the tension was so high, especially during that second set. So I’m really happy to have gotten through,” Eala said in an interview after the match.

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

Eala, however, was not alone in her fight.

Aside from her family and team watching from the sidelines, Filipino fans filled the stands and cheered loudly for Eala, fueling the Filipina ace to push through.

“In the tiebreak, I was trying everything to keep myself in check,” she said.

“I was thinking, this stadium is full of Filipinos. Tapos sabi ko, ‘Ilan kaya sa inyo 'yung nagdadasal para sa akin?’ I thought, you know, how many of them were probably praying for me to win, so I really had to give everything I got.”

As for her next step in recovery?

“Sleep,” Eala said, as the match ended at around 10 p.m. in Dubai and 2 a.m. in the Philippines.

“I think it's everyone's bedtime. People probably have work. So really, thank you so much for coming and supporting.It's so nice to see the atmosphere so lively here. It's my first time playing this tournament. So I really appreciate the love, everyone."

Eala will next face world No. 32 Sorana Cirstea of Romania in the Round of 16.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News