Eala faces old tormentor Valentova in Qatar Open kickoff

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala will start her campaign in the Qatar Open against a familiar foe in Tereza Valentova of Czechia, eyeing sweet revenge after bowing via sweep the last time out.

The Doha tournament, WTA’s first 1000-level event this season, got going yesterday at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex with Eala being assigned to Day 2 against a qualifier that ultimately became Valentova.

Valentova, singles and doubles champion in the 2024 French Open girls’ competition, lived up to her lofty billing as the No. 1 seed in the qualifiers by beating Aussie Arina Rodionova (WTA No. 210), 6-2, 2-6, 7-6(3), and German Ella Seidel (WTA No. 83) to advance to the main draw.

“Thank you, Abu Dhabi. A time was had. Next stop, Doha,” said Eala yesterday, sharing a series of scenic views upon arriving at the Qatari capital, including a photo with close friend Zeynep Sonmez of Turkey.

Eala and Valentova are shoulder to shoulder in the WTA rankings – Eala at No. 45 and Valentova at No. 44 – making it one of the interesting match-ups in the 64-player main draw.

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