Alex Eala will begin her campaign at the WTA 1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships against a familiar foe in Hailey Baptiste. This time around, she is facing someone she has already beaten.
Repeat or Revenge?
Alex Eala, currently ranked No. 40 in the world, previously came out victorious against Baptiste. Back in June 2025, the pride of Quezon City beat Baptiste during the 2nd round of qualifiers of the WTA 500 Lexus Eastbourne Open. Despite getting the win, the Rafa Nadal alumna had to play a decider just to move on to the main draw.
Baptiste was ranked No. 56 back then, while Eala was No. 74.
It was also at the Lexus Eastbourne Open where Eala played her first-ever final as a professional tennis player.
Both Players Finding Winning Momentum
The two rising talents will meet again in Dubai.
The 24-year-old Baptiste currently has a win-loss record of 1-1 at the Dubai qualifiers after beating Zhang Shuai, 6-4, 6-4, and losing to Rebecca Sramkova, 3-6, 5-7.
On the other hand, the 20-year-old Eala was moved to the main draw to replace Madison Keys, who withdrew from the tournament due to a thigh injury.
The 2025 WTA 125 Guadalajara champion will try to flash fine form in Dubai after struggling to find rhythm in the first two stops of her Middle East swing.
In the WTA 500 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, Eala exited in the quarterfinals of the singles tournament and the semifinals of the doubles tournament. Then, in the WTA 1000 Doha Qatar Open, the Filipina tennis wonder lost to Tereza Valentová right in the first round.
Next Match of Alex Eala
WTA 1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship Main Draw, Round of 64
Match: Alex Eala vs. Hailey Baptiste
Venue: Center Court of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Aviation Club Tennis Centre
Date and Time: Sunday, February 15, 11:00 p.m. Philippine Standard Time (Start time is subject to change.)
