Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images

By Joel Reyes 

Alex Eala barged into the second round of the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships, beating Hailey Baptiste in their round of 64 showdown after the American retired due to an abdominal injury on Monday morning (PH time) at Aviation Club Tennis Centre. 

Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images

Eala got off to a strong start, taking the first set 6-4. She trailed Baptiste 0-1 in the second set after a long opening game, when the American decided to retire from the match.

Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images

Eala will next face sixth seed Jasmine Paolini in the second round.