Alex Eala’s Great Escape: A Defiant Comeback in Abu Dhabi

The grit of a champion is often measured not by how they lead, but by how they respond when their backs are against the wall. Today, February 4, 2026, at the Abu Dhabi Open, Alexandra “Alex” Eala didn’t just respond; she authored one of the most remarkable escapes of her young professional career.

Facing the seasoned Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the Round of 16, the 20-year-old Filipina sensation proved that her rise to World No. 45 is fueled as much by mental fortitude as it is by her lethal baseline game. After nearly three hours of grueling tennis, Eala emerged victorious with a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(5) scoreline that left the crowd in awe.

For much of the match, it appeared that Eala’s run in the Emirates was coming to an end. Sasnovich, known for her crafty variety and flat groundstrokes, dominated the opening set. While Eala showed signs of life in the second, the match seemed decided when the third set began.

Eala quickly found herself in a 0-4 hole in the decider. In tennis, a double-break deficit in a final set is usually a death sentence. To the casual observer, the Filipina looked fatigued, struggling with the humid conditions and Sasnovich’s relentless depth. However, what followed was a masterclass in “point-by-point” mentality.

The comeback began with a grueling service hold at 0-4, a game that featured four deuces. Once Eala got on the board, the momentum shifted tangibly. She began taking the ball earlier, punishing Sasnovich’s second serves and dictating play with her heavy lefty forehand. As Eala reeled off four straight games to level the set at 4-4, the pressure shifted entirely onto the veteran Sasnovich.

The match ultimately moved to a high-stakes tiebreak. Leading 6-5, Eala forced an error with a deep return, collapsing to her knees in celebration as the victory was sealed.

There is no rest for the weary. Tomorrow, Thursday, February 5, will be a defining day for Eala in Abu Dhabi. She is scheduled for a double-header:

Today’s victory was a testament to Eala’s evolution. In 2026, she is no longer just a “rising star”—she is a fighter who refuses to be counted out. Filipino fans worldwide will be watching closely tomorrow to see if this momentum can carry her into her first WTA 500 semifinal.