Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala continued her historic run at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open, securing a gritty 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 victory over Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska. In a marathon match lasting nearly three hours, the 20-year-old Eala showcased immense mental fortitude and focus, particularly in the deciding set.
After falling behind 4-5 in the third, Eala broke back immediately, capitalizing on Yastremska’s errors with her serve. The veteran Ukrainian committed a number of costly double faults throughout the game, including one that set up Eala’s fourth match point in a tense 12th game. With this win, Eala will move on to a highly anticipated third-round rematch against world No. 4 Coco Gauff. Gauff routed Eala in the semifinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in the UAE.
Here are the match highlights between Eala and Yastremska;
Here’s Eala on her upcoming rematch with Coco Gauff;
Alex Eala on playing Coco Gauff next Rd – a tough opponent playing in home court but I’m ready 🇵🇭💪 pic.twitter.com/oABnrVvvzE
— Dyan Castillejo (@DYANCASTILLEJO) March 7, 2026
