Filipina Sensation Alexandra Eala's Dream Dubai Run Continues

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Filipina sensation Alexandra Eala continued her dream run with a straight-sets victory over veteran Romanian Sorana Cîrstea 7-5 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

It was another packed house that greeted the crowd favourite on Wednesday night.

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And the 20-year-old didn't disappoint her adoring Filipino fans, producing a commanding performance to set up a mouthwatering quarterfinal clash with two-time Grand Slam winner Coco Gauff of the US. Watch her seal her win, captured by KT's Angel Tesorero:

Having stunned world number eight Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the previous round, Eala survived a tight first set against Cîrstea, the 35-year-old Romanian, before putting her to the sword in the second set with a magnificent display of attacking tennis.

Now with a place in the semifinals up for grabs, the world number 40 is all set for the big game against American star Gauff on Thursday.

"I think it's a great opportunity for me. Win or lose tomorrow, I think it's great for me to learn," said Eala, the highest-ranked player in Philippines history.

"Obviously facing a player like Coco is something that people, like, would kill to do. In a quarterfinal here in Dubai, as well. So I'm super excited for that."

Gauff, who saved three match points against Elise Mertens of Belgium to win a dramatic three-set battle, is ready to face Eala, knowing all too well that the Centre Court crowd will make it a football-like atmosphere on Thursday.

"I feel like it's great for the sport to have this atmosphere. It's very fun, regardless if the crowd is for you or not," Gauff said.

"Then obviously with her game, she's really a great, talented player. She's already beaten some top-10 players in straight sets. It will definitely be a tough match."

The Gauff vs Eala quarterfinal has been scheduled for 7 pm on Thursday.

In the other last eight battles, fourth seed Jessica Pegula of the US will take on last year's runner-up Clara Tauson of Denmark (2 pm), defending champion Mirra Andreeva of Russia will face second seed Amanda Anisimova of the US (not before 4 pm) and two-time Dubai champion Elina Svitolina of Ukraine will play Antonia Ruzic of Croatia (not before 8:10 pm).

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