Alex Eala ousts Sorana Cirstea, reaches Dubai Tennis Championships quarterfinals

Alexandra “Alex” Eala advanced to the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships after defeating Romania’s Sorana Cirstea, 7-5, 6-4, in the Round of 16 early Thursday (Philippine time).

Cirstea showcased her composure in the opening set and built a 5-4 lead. However, Eala responded by leveling the set before winning the next two games to seize the advantage.

Eala carried the momentum into the second set, racing to a 4-0 lead before Cirstea managed to get on the board. The Filipina standout later moved ahead, 5-1, but Cirstea stayed within striking distance by holding serve and trimming the deficit to 5-4.

Despite the late challenge, Eala regained her rhythm and closed out the match in the next game to secure the straight-sets victory.

“I think the key today was staying calm and trusting my shots. I think I was very solid in the moments when I needed to be. So yeah, that reflected in my performance and in the score, I guess,” Eala said in her post-match interview.

Eala added that she believes she is on the right path as she prepares for her next assignment against world No. 4 Coco Gauff.

“I think if I continue like this, the next match will be great. I’m really looking forward to it. Coco is such an amazing person. We tend to forget that she’s just a year older than me, but she’s a great role model for so many, so I’m really excited for that match,” she said, before thanking her supporters.

“Salamat sa pagpuyat, mga kababayan. O, uwi na tayo, tara!”

Prior to her win over Cirstea, Eala advanced from the first round after Hailey Baptiste retired due to an abdominal injury, then stunned world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini in the Round of 32.

The Dubai quarterfinal will mark Eala’s third at the WTA Tour level.

She reached the semifinals of the ASB Classic last month and made the quarterfinals of the Abu Dhabi Open weeks ago.

In the WTA 125 circuit, she also advanced to the quarterfinals of the Philippine Women’s Open last month.

HIGHLIGHTS | Alex Eala vs Sorana Cirstea - Dubai Tennis Championships Round of 16

—JKC, GMA Integrated News