Joselito Malig

Philippines' Alexandra Eala hits a return to Russia's Alina Charaeva during their women's singles match at the Philippine Women's Open tennis tournament in Manila on January 26, 2026. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)

Article (news)

John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

(UPDATED) Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala&#x27;s Dubai Tennis Championships run came to an end after being outgunned by current World No. 4 Coco Gauff of the United States on Friday early morning (Philippine time). Eala had no answers to Gauff&#x27;s volleys and was saddled with errors, with the Filipina absorbing a heartbreaking 0-6 2-6 loss. Still, it was a phenomenal run for the 20-year-old, breaching the Final Eight in Dubai by taking down World No. 8 Jasmine Paolini, No. 32 Sorana Cirstea, and No. 45 Hailey Baptiste before her quarterfinal match with Gauff, who has two Grand Slam singles titles to her name. After Eala was blanked in the opening set and in the first four games of the succeeding frame, she tried to mount a comeback by winning two straight — to the delight of the Filipino fans at the Center Court, cheering for the Pinay in hopes of energizing her into a comeback. But Gauff, also her former doubles partner, proved to be the better player tonight with her consistent plays and shots, capitalizing on Eala&#x27;s faults en route to the straight-set win.After the match, Gauff had nothing but praise for the 20-year-old Filipina.“Alex is a tough competitor. Even when I was up I knew she could come back at any given moment. I’ve seen her do it before,” Gauff said.She also acknowledged the packed stadium and the electric atmosphere that came largely in support of Eala.“I played this tournament for many years and to see the stadium full means a lot.”Gauff even lightheartedly addressed the crowd’s unwavering support for the Filipina.“I’d like to thank Alex for bringing a new demographic to the sport. It’s great for the sport. Keep being enthusiastic and keep rooting for your player.”“Whenever you guys were cheering for Alex, I just pretended it was my name,” she added with a smile. “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.” The Dubai Tennis Championships is Eala’s sixth tournament of the year, and her last of her Middle East swing. The World No. 47&#x27;s lone pro title so far is her WTA 125 crown in Guadalajara last year.

Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala's Dubai Tennis Championships run came to an end after being outgunned by current world no. 4 Coco Gauff of the US on Thursday night (Philippine time).

Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala's Dubai Tennis Championships run came to an end after being outgunned by current world no. 4 Coco Gauff of the US on Thursday night (Philippine time).

Alex Eala bows out of Dubai Championships in loss to Coco Gauff

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Alex Eala bows out of Dubai Championships in loss to Coco Gauff

Kennedy Caacbay,

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 20, 2026 12:31 AM PHT

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Updated February 20, 2026 12:54 AM PHT

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Alex Eala

Coco Gauff

tennis

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Dubai Tennis Championships

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