Alex Eala’s breakthrough run at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open came to an end on Thursday, February 5, after she bowed to No. 2 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, 6-3, 6-3, in the quarterfinals at Zayed Sports City. The match lasted one hour and 30 minutes and unfolded in front of a vocal crowd that heavily backed the Filipina teenager.

Eala entered the contest riding confidence after a dramatic previous-round comeback, where she erased a 4-0 deficit in the third set and saved a match point. That performance set the stage for heightened expectations and a charged atmosphere inside the stadium.

Alexandrova said afterward that she anticipated a difficult challenge after watching Eala’s previous match closely. She credited both Eala’s fighting spirit and the crowd for elevating the match.

“I saw the last match,” Alexandrova said during her on-court interview via WTA. “She was fighting ’til the end. I knew it was going to be difficult, but the atmosphere was amazing today, and I really enjoyed my time on the court.”

Eala’s resilience draws respect

Despite the straight-sets scoreline, the contest remained tight as Eala repeatedly raised her level whenever she fell behind. Alexandrova broke first in both sets, but each time Eala responded by extending rallies and forcing her opponent to earn every point.

Alexandrova relied on her experience and firepower to maintain control, finishing with 33 winners to Eala’s 15. The difference on serve proved decisive, as Alexandrova won 70 percent of her first-serve points compared to Eala’s 45 percent.

Still, Eala had her chances, particularly late in the opening set when she earned four break points in the final game. Alexandrova saved all four before closing the set, preventing Eala from gaining momentum.

Growth continues for Alex Eala

At 3-3 in the second set, Eala again threatened to shift the match after clawing back from another deficit. Alexandrova responded by lifting her return level, keeping the pressure on and denying Eala a foothold.

“I was trying to remind myself that I needed to play until the last point,” Alexandrova said. “I focused on the process instead of the outcome, and that really helped me today.”

For Eala, the quarterfinal showing underscored her growing comfort against elite WTA opposition and her ability to compete under pressure. The Abu Dhabi run adds valuable experience as she continues her development early in the 2026 season.

Alexandrova advanced to her first semifinal of the year, where she will face American wild card Hailey Baptiste. The other semifinal will pit qualifier Sara Bejlek against third seed Clara Tauson.