In a stunning upset at the WTA 1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, 20-year-old Filipino sensation Alexandra "Alex" Eala defeated Italian sixth seed and world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini today, 18 February 2026. Eala dominated the first set 6-1 and held her nerve in a tense second-set tiebreak to win 7-6(5). This victory marks Eala's first win over a top-10 player and propels her into the round of 16. 

Eala's performance was characterized by aggressive baseline play and a remarkably high first-serve percentage, which left the more experienced Paolini struggling to find a rhythm. The win has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, as Eala a former US Open junior champion continues her rapid ascent in the professional rankings. She is now the highest-ranked Southeast Asian player on the WTA tour and a heavy favorite to reach the quarter-finals.

The victory has sparked widespread celebration in the Philippines, with sports officials and fans hailing it as a historic moment for national tennis. Eala is scheduled to play her next match on Thursday against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. Her victory in Dubai adds to a stellar day for Asian athletes, following record-breaking performances at the ongoing Winter Olympics in Italy.