Alex Eala advances to Abu Dhabi Open quarters after comeback win vs Sasnovich

Alta Sports2 months ago · 877 views

Alex Eala advances to Abu Dhabi Open quarters after comeback win vs Sasnovich image

Photo by Christopher Pike/Getty Images

By Joel Reyes

Alex Eala’s singles campaign at the 2026 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is still very much alive.

The Filipina star sent Aliaksandra Sasnovich packing on Thursday morning (PH time), recording a thrilling 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) victory in their round-of-16 clash on Stadium Court at Zayed Sports City’s International Tennis Centre.

Photo by Christopher Pike/Getty Images

Sasnovich started off strongly, needing just 35 minutes to take the first set 6-2. Eala battled back in the second set, though, taking it by a score of 6-4 after she broke the Belarusian’s serve in the 10(th) game.

Sasnovich regained control in the third set, racing to a 4-0 lead after breaking Eala’s first two service games. The Filipina answered right back, though, winning the next two games to cut the deficit to 2-4.

Photo by Christopher Pike/Getty Images

Sasnovich quickly responded, breaking the Quezon City native's serve in the seventh game to grab a 5-2 lead. There's no quit with Eala, who won the next four games to take a 6-5 lead in the third set.

Sasnovich held her serve in the 12th game to force a tiebreak. It was Eala, however, who emerged victorious in the tiebreaker to book her place in the quarterfinals.

All comments 21