MANILA — Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala has moved on to the second round of the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships after her opponent, American Hailey Baptiste, retired because of an injury.
Eala had secured the first set 6-4 and was trailing 0-1 in the second when Baptiste, ranked 39th in the world, ended the match after an exhausting opening game that saw seven deuces.
“No one prefers to advance this way,” Eala said. “Tour life is showing me how challenging it is to stay fit at this level. I hope Hailey recovers soon.”
In the first set, Eala recovered from a 1-2 deficit, broke Baptiste for a 3-2 lead, and eventually closed the set with a sharp forehand crosscourt winner. In the second set, she earned multiple break points before Baptiste retired, reportedly due to an abdominal strain.
Eala will now face Italy’s sixth seed, Jasmine Paolini, who received a bye into the second round.
“I’m thrilled to reach the next round,” Eala said. “Competing in these tournaments is an amazing experience, and the support from the crowd makes it even better. I’m focusing on enjoying every moment on the court.”
ia/