Alex Eala returns for doubles showdown after thrilling Abu Dhabi Open win

Alexandra Eala at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open on February 2, 2026.

Filipino tennis sensation Alexandra Eala returns to action at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open on Tuesday (February 3) for a high-profile doubles match, just one day after thrilling a packed crowd with a dominant singles victory. Eala will team up with Indonesia’s Janice Tjen against Leylah Fernandez and former world No.1 doubles player Kristina Mladenovic. The match is scheduled not before 6:30pm on ADCB Court 1 at Zayed Sports City. The 20-year-old Filipina was the centre of attention on Monday (February 2), delivering a straight-sets victory over Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez in front of a full Stadium Court. “Recently I’ve been playing in front of so many big crowds and I’m starting to find my groove a bit,” Eala said after the win. “I really appreciate all the fans coming to watch me with their families, especially on weekdays.” Following the match, she met Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ferdinand Ver for a courtside meet and greet. Tournament organisers said attendance has been strong throughout the week, with 2,897 students from 41 schools attending Day 3 alone as part of the tournament’s free-entry initiative for children. Nigel Gupta, Tournament Director, said: “It was another wonderful day of tennis in Abu Dhabi. It’s been fantastic to see such strong crowds throughout the event, and especially to see so many schoolchildren enjoying the experience today.” He added: “The draw produced a mouth-watering match-up between two highly supported players, and while there could only be one winner, congratulations to Eala. We’re really looking forward to what the rest of the week has in store.” Elsewhere on Monday, former World No.2 Paula Badosa was knocked out in a three-set thriller by Aliaksandra Sasnovich. Qualifier Sara Bejlek defeated last year’s finalist Ashlyn Krueger, while Indonesia’s Janice Tjen edged Maya Joint in a gripping three-set contest. Tjen said: “This is my first time in Abu Dhabi and it’s been so nice. It means so much to me the support I received today from the fans.” The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open runs until February 7, combining WTA 500 action with community initiatives including the Road to MADO youth finals and the tournament’s inaugural wheelchair tennis invitational. Tickets are available on Platinumlist. CAM/Expat Media