Filipino Tennis Star Alex Eala Secures Spot in Qatar Open Main Draw

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Filipino tennis player Alex Eala has secured a direct entry into the main draw of the 2026 Qatar TotalEnergies Open in Doha. Currently ranked a career-high World No. 39, Eala is the first Filipino player to reach the Top 40 in the WTA rankings. She is set to face off against 18-year-old Czech player Tereza Valentova in the Round of 64 on February 9th, seeking revenge after a previous loss to Valentova in 2025.

Why it matters

Eala's participation in the prestigious Qatar Open represents a significant milestone for Filipino tennis, as she becomes the first player from the Philippines to compete in the main draw of this high-profile WTA tournament. Her success could inspire more young Filipino athletes to pursue tennis and help raise the profile of the sport in the country.

The details

Eala earned her spot in the Qatar Open main draw after Russian player Veronika Kudermetova withdrew due to injury. The tournament features a star-studded field, including top-ranked players such as Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, and Coco Gauff. Eala is seeking to build on her recent quarterfinal run at the WTA 500 Abu Dhabi Open, where she also reached the semifinals in doubles.

• The Qatar TotalEnergies Open runs from February 8 to February 14, 2026.
• Eala's opening match in the Round of 64 is scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026.

What’s next

Should Eala advance through the opening rounds, she faces a highly competitive bracket featuring multiple Top 10 seeds, including Karolína Muchová, Amanda Anisimova, Elina Svitolina, Iga Swiatek, and Jasmine Paolini.