Alex Eala’s Abu Dhabi Open opener came with all the awkwardness of a friendly reunion—and all the ruthlessness of a rising star who knows exactly where she’s headed.
A wild card entry, the 20-year-old Filipina powered past Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez, 6-4, 6-3, on Sunday to reach the Round of 16, extending her perfect record against her close friend to 3-0. On paper, it was a first-round win. In reality, it was a layered clash of ambition, history, and shared trailblazing.
Eala entered the week ranked No. 45 by the WTA, up four places and continuing her upward climb as the first Filipina to crack the Top 50. Across the net was Sonmez, now ranked No. 73 after a stunning 33-place surge, and already established as the first Turkish woman to reach the third round of a Grand Slam. Rankings aside, neither player gave an inch.
Abu Dhabi Open is a WTA500, which means the champion gets 500 ranking points, that offers a rich prize pool of USD1.2 million.
The stadium at Zayed Sports City was jampacked and unmistakably pro-Eala. The crowd was predominantly Filipino—overseas workers and expats eager for a rare, tangible piece of home—turning the Abu Dhabi venue into a pocket of Manila by the Gulf. Every ace, break, and fist pump was met with roars that carried longing as much as pride.
Eala fed off that energy, looking increasingly assured behind a service game that continues to level up. She struck early in both sets, breaking serve quickly and forcing Sonmez into chase mode—a familiar pattern that proved decisive even as momentum threatened to swing.
The contest crackled with familiarity. Both players favor flat, early ball-striking and aggressive returns, resulting in 10 service breaks across 19 games and a steady stream of high-octane exchanges. Sonmez fought back bravely, probing for openings with sharp angles, but Eala’s fast starts kept her just out of reach.
Two weeks after igniting dueling diaspora crowds at the Australian Open, Eala and Sonmez once again shared a spotlight that went beyond tennis. And after match point, Eala and Sonmez embraced at the net, exchanging stories as true friends do. During the post game interview, Eala made sure to acknowledge that bond.
“I’m so honored to share the court with one of my closest friends, Zeynep,” she said. “Our friendship goes beyond tennis.”
Next up, Eala faces Aliaksandra Sasnovich, who is ranked 109.
The cheers will still be loud, the stakes even louder—and Eala is right where she belongs.
