Alex Eala will face a formidable test in the Round of 32 of the WTA 1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships as she is set to take on world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini on Center Court at 12:10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18.
Alex Eala Meets Proven Champion
The encounter marks the first meeting between Eala and Paolini on the WTA Tour and presents Eala with a chance to test her growing confidence against an established contender.
Currently ranked No. 47, down from her career-high No. 40 just a week ago, Eala will try to spark a breakthrough run in only her second WTA 1000 appearance of the season after an early Doha exit.
Eala’s Italian opponent is a certified champion. The 30-year-old Paolini reached the 2024 finals of Roland Garros and Wimbledon, captured the 2024 Dubai crown, and later added the 2025 Italian Open title by defeating Coco Gauff, underscoring her world-class talent.
What’s more, Paolini also accomplished a rare double feat at the Italian Open (Internazionali BNL d’Italia), as she also won the doubles title. With that feat, she became only the sixth woman in WTA history to win the singles and doubles titles of the same tournament.
Alex Eala Looks to Repeat Giant-Slaying Ways
Eala opened her Dubai bid with a 6-4, 0-1 (ret.) victory over Hailey Baptiste. Against Paolini, the Filipina ace will try to recapture the form that allowed her to notch wins over Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek in last year’s Miami Open.
Moreover, this acid test could help propel the 20-year-old Quezon native as she looks to add to her WTA 125 triumph in Guadalajara and build momentum for the next phase of the season: an upcoming United States hardcourt stretch where she’ll likely meet more elite competition like Paolini.
Across the net will be a well-rested Paolini, who drew a first-round bye to make it to the Round of 32 without breaking a sweat. She will surely be looking to assert her championship pedigree at a venue where she has already prevailed, using experience and tactical discipline to halt the Filipina’s rise.
Alex Eala Next Match
Alex Eala vs. Jasmine Paolini (Round of 32)
Date and Time: February 18, 2026 (12:10 a.m., Philippine time)
Venue: Aviation Club Tennis Centre (Center Court)
