

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.