Ekaterina Alexandrova Reaches Abu Dhabi Open Semifinals After Defeating Rising Star Alexandra Eala in Quarterfinals

Ekaterina Alexandrova reached her first WTA semifinal of 2026 on Thursday with a commanding 6-3, 6-3 victory over Filipino teenager Alexandra Eala at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. The Russian veteran controlled the match from start to finish, ending Eala's impressive run at the tournament and setting up a semifinal clash with American qualifier Hailey Baptiste. The win demonstrated Alexandrova's experience and consistency against a younger opponent who had captured attention with strong performances earlier in the week.

Eala, who had advanced to the round of 16 with promising victories, found herself unable to solve Alexandrova's powerful baseline game and tactical awareness. The 18-year-old Filipino showed flashes of the talent that has made her one of tennis's most exciting young prospects, but Alexandrova's superior court coverage and shot selection proved decisive. Eala's quarterfinal appearance still represents a significant achievement and suggests continued progress as she develops her game on the WTA Tour.

In the other semifinal pairing, Sara Bejlek will face Clara Tauson in an all-first-time semifinal matchup. Bejlek, a qualifier, demolished Sonay Kartal 6-0, 6-2 in an impressive quarterfinal performance, while Tauson defeated McCartney Kessler 6-3, 6-4 to advance. Both Bejlek and Tauson are seeking their first WTA singles final, adding an element of unpredictability to their semifinal encounter. The Czech qualifier's dominant form against Kartal suggests she has the confidence and momentum to continue her breakthrough run.

Alexandrova's semifinal opponent Baptiste also emerged from the qualifying rounds to reach the final four, defeating former world number two Liudmila Samsonova 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 in a dramatic three-set quarterfinal. The American's ability to close out the match against the higher-ranked Russian demonstrates the mental fortitude required at this level of competition. Baptiste's run to the semifinals represents her best WTA result and marks her arrival as a legitimate threat on tour.

The Abu Dhabi Open has provided a platform for breakthrough performances, with three of the four semifinalists coming through qualifying. This unexpected turn of events has created an open draw where any of the remaining players could claim the title. For Alexandrova, the tournament represents an opportunity to build momentum early in the 2026 season and add to her WTA title collection. Her experience in big matches gives her an advantage over the qualifier opposition.

The semifinals are scheduled for Friday, with Alexandrova vs. Baptiste likely to deliver a contrast in playing styles and experience levels. Alexandrova will look to use her powerful groundstrokes and tournament experience to overwhelm Baptiste's resilience and counterpunching game. The winner will face either Bejlek or Tauson in Sunday's final, guaranteeing that the Abu Dhabi Open will crown either a first-time WTA champion or see Alexandrova add another title to her career resume. The high quality of play throughout the tournament has exceeded expectations and provided compelling tennis in the early weeks of the season.