Alex Eala opened her campaign at the Dubai Tennis Championships with a performance that blended control and conviction, advancing to the Round of 32 after taking a tightly contested first set before American Hailey Baptiste retired with injury.
Ranked No. 40 in the world, Eala squared off with Baptiste, who sits just one spot higher at No. 39. The opening set unfolded like a high-speed chess match. Both players traded heavy forehands, sharp cross-court angles and timely net approaches. Eala struck first, breaking for a 3-2 lead, only for Baptiste to respond immediately and level at 3-3.
When Eala broke again for 4-3, Baptiste began showing signs of physical discomfort, at times clutching her abdomen between points. Her movement dulled slightly, and she leaned more on power than footwork as rallies stretched.
The atmosphere, however, grew livelier by the minute. Filipino supporters based in Dubai turned out in force, waving flags and hoisting “Let’s Go, Alex” and “Laban, Alex” signs. At one point, they even started a coordinated wave, a spectacle more common in football or basketball arenas than in the traditionally reserved setting of professional tennis. The energy was unmistakable, and every Eala winner drew a surge of cheers.
Serving at 5-3, the 20-year-old Filipina steadied herself. Even as Baptiste fought to stay within reach, Eala dictated play at set point, moving her opponent side to side before closing out the opener, 6-4, with composed aggression.
Before the second set could properly begin, Baptiste talked to the chair umpire, apparently asking to call the trainer. She battled through a marathon 20-point opening game.
After she won the point, the American tennis pro informed the chair umpire she could not continue. Eala and Baptiste shared a brief embrace at the Filipina’s side of the court—then the Filipina went over to the camp of the American–in a show of sportsmanship.
“Obviously, no one really likes advancing in this way,” Eala said. “At this level, I’m discovering how difficult it is to maintain your health physically. I really hope Hailey is okay and will bounce back soon.”
She also took time to salute the stands, calling it the “best crowd ever.”
Next up is sixth seed Jasmine Paolini, the world No. 8, who received a first-round bye.
Dubai provided a confident start. The next test will demand even more.
