Wed Feb 04 15:10:00 UTC 2026: ### Eala Advances in Abu Dhabi, Defeating Close Friend Sonmez
The Story:
Alexandra Eala of the Philippines defeated Zeynep Sonmez of Turkey in the first round of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, winning 6-4, 6-3 in an hour and 29 minutes. The match was notable as both players are rising stars representing their countries and close friends. Eala, currently ranked No. 45, acknowledged the friendship and mutual respect between the two despite the competitive nature of the match. Eala will next face Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
Also, Jelena Ostapenko survived a tough match against Oksana Selekhmeteva, saving two match points to win 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-2. Ostapenko will now face Sara Bejlek, who defeated Ashlyn Krueger 6-3, 6-0.
Key Points:
- Alexandra Eala defeated Zeynep Sonmez 6-4, 6-3 in the first round of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.
- Eala and Sonmez are close friends and both represent their countries as rising tennis stars.
- Eala is the first Filipina to be ranked in the Top 50, and Sonmez is the first Turkish woman to reach the third round of a major.
- Eala will face Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the next round.
- Jelena Ostapenko saved two match points to defeat Oksana Selekhmeteva 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-2.
- Ostapenko will face Sara Bejlek, who defeated Ashlyn Krueger 6-3, 6-0.
Key Takeaways:
- Alexandra Eala continues to build momentum after her performance at the Australian Open.
- The match highlights the growing global diversity and rising stars in women’s tennis.
- Friendship and competition can coexist in professional sports.
- Jelena Ostapenko shows resilience with comeback win.
First Piper 