Instead of playing through the qualifiers, Filipina tennis star Alex Eala will go straight into the loaded main draw of the WTA 500 Abu Dhabi Open.
Alex Eala is now part of the main draw at the WTA 500 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.
Initially awarded a wildcard, the Filipina tennis ace will no longer need to pass through the qualifying rounds and will instead dive straight into a loaded field in the outdoor hard-court tournament.
Eala’s opening-round opponent will be determined following the official draw ceremony as the tournament is scheduled from January 31 to February 7.
The Abu Dhabi Open boasts a star-studded lineup led by defending champion and Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic, 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, and former world no. 2 Paula Badosa.
Also in the mix is a wave of next-generation talent, including WTA 2025 Newcomer of the Year Victoria Mboko and Danish standout Clara Tauson.
Before turning her focus to the Middle East, Eala will first perform on home soil, suiting up for the inaugural WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open in Manila from January 26 to 31.
[RELATED: Alex Eala to compete at Philippine Women’s Open]
Earlier this year, the 20-year-old made her Australian Open main draw debut but exited early in both singles and doubles action.
[RELATED: Alex Eala reflects on tough Australian Open exit in front of pro-Filipino crowd]
Currently ranked no. 49 in the world, Eala opened her 2026 campaign with a strong semifinal run at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.
[RELATED: Alex Eala gets career-high world no. 49 after semis run at ASB Classic]
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.