Alex Eala is through to the Round of 16 of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships after her thrilling win over Jasmine Paolini on Tuesday. Next up for the pride of the Philippines will be WTA veteran Sorana Cirstea.
Cirstea, who hails from Romania, announced last year that she will play her last season in the WTA this 2026, ending an illustrious 20-year career.
“That being said, I have now decided that 2026 will be my last year on tour,” she announced on Instagram in November.
Despite being 35 years old already, the world No. 32 has shown she has plenty left in the tank after winning the singles title of the WTA 250 Transylvania Open earlier this month. Aside from that title, Sorana Cirstea has won three other WTA titles: the Tashkent Open in 2008, the Istanbul Cup in 2021, and the WTA 250 Tennis in the Land in 2025.
At the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Cirstea is proving to be one tough player again. She first defeated Aliaksandra Sasnovich, 6-3, 7-6(6), in the Round of 64. Then, in the Round of 32, she came out victorious against Linda Noskova of Czech Republic, 6-1, 6-4.
Now, she’ll be facing the youngster, Alex Eala, with a quartefinals slot at stake.
Veteran Champion Again in Alex Eala’s Way
In Sorana Cirstea, Alex Eala will be facing another veteran with championship pedigree—and the urgency to make every match, every tournament, every moment count with retirement looming.
But as she showed in beating Paolini, Eala looks ready to take on all comers in Dubai. But so is Sorana Cirstea, and that makes for some must-see TV even if the match will again be in the wee hours of Thursday morning.
Alex Eala Next Match
Alex Eala vs Sorana Cirstea (Round of 16)
Venue: Center Court of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Aviation Club Tennis Centre
Date and Time: Thursday, February 19, 12:10 a.m. Philippine Standard Time (Start time is subject to change.)
