Alexandra Eala produced a magnificent performance as she knocked out former champion Jasmine Paolini in Dubai.
The Filipino took advantage of the fired-up crowd as she defeated the Italian 6-1 7-6(5) to produce a big win over the top ten player.
After a crushing first set, Eala had to overcome a resurgent Paolini to reach the third round in Dubai.
In the aftermath of her match Eala admitted she was emotional and explained what the keys to victory were, “All the emotions are coming because the tension was so high, especially during that second set,” Eala told the WTA website.
“So I’m really happy to have gotten through. (Paolini) is a great opponent, obviously, being Top 10 and a former champion here, so to be able to compete with her at this level is a great achievement for me.
“In the tiebreak, I was trying everything to keep myself in check. At the change of ends, I was thinking, you know, this stadium is full of Filipinos. I thought, ‘How many of them are probably praying for me to win?’ So I really had to give everything I got.
“I tried to remind myself that I was doing well. I have to watch it again, but I don’t think I did anything disastrous during those moments, and she earned those points. Every time the opportunity arose, I tried my best to be brave and go for my ball.”
Eala will now face Sorana Cirstea in the third round with the possibility of facing Coco Gauff in the quarter-finals.
