FEBRUARY 18, 2026 — Filipina tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala just pulled off one of the biggest wins of her career, stunning World No. 8 Jasmine Paolini at the Dubai Tennis Championships, 6-1, 7-6(5). In just under two hours, Eala showed grit, composure, and the kind of fighting spirit that makes Filipinos swell with pride.

The first set was a breeze — Eala dominated Paolini with aggressive baseline play and sharp returns. But the second set turned into a rollercoaster. Paolini clawed back, even saving multiple match points, but Eala refused to fold. With the crowd — mostly kababayans — roaring from the stands, she sealed the upset in a tense tiebreak. 

This victory marks her third career win against a Top 10 opponent, proving she’s no longer just a rising star but a serious contender on the WTA Tour.

For the Philippines, this isn’t just about tennis. It’s about representation. Eala, now ranked World No. 47, is carving a path in a sport where Filipinos rarely get the spotlight. Every win she earns on the global stage chips away at the notion that tennis is out of reach for us. And honestly, seeing a young Filipina outplay Europe’s elite is the kind of story that inspires kids back home to pick up a racket and dream bigger.

Next up, Eala faces Romania’s Sorana Cîrstea in the Round of 16. It won’t be easy, but if this Dubai run has shown us anything, it’s that Alex thrives under pressure.

She’s proving that Filipino athletes can stand toe-to-toe with the world’s best. The question now is, how far are we willing to support her journey before the rest of the world claims her as their own?

(Image: Philippine News Agency | Facebook)