Bejlek, Eala Shine in Dubai Debuts; Fernandez Stuns Samsonova
On the opening day of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Sara Bejlek and Alexandra Eala made remarkable debuts. The event is part of the WTA 1000 series, which draws top players from around the globe.
Bejlek Secures Quick Victory
Sara Bejlek, the reigning champion from Abu Dhabi, continued her winning streak with a dominant performance. The 20-year-old defeated Zeynep Sonmez from Türkiye with a score of 6-2, 6-2.
Bejlek has been in exceptional form, having won eight consecutive matches in the Middle East this month. Her latest match lasted just 1 hour and 15 minutes, showcasing her efficiency on the court.
Match Highlights
- Both players recorded 15 winners.
- Bejlek converted 6 out of 10 break points.
- Sonmez managed to convert only 2 out of 7 break points.
Bejlek expressed her satisfaction with her performance, stating, “I’m happy with how I managed it and how I’m playing.” Now ranked within the Top 40, she continues to impress fans and analysts alike.
Eala Advances with a Twist
Alexandra Eala, also enjoying a career-high ranking of World No. 40, faced Hailey Baptiste in her opening match. Eala was leading 6-4, 0-1 when Baptiste retired from the match.
Eala displayed resilience in the first set, which lasted approximately 45 minutes. Despite the abrupt end, she acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining health on the tour and expressed her hope for Baptiste’s quick recovery.
Reflections from Eala
- “I’m super happy to be in the next round,” Eala stated.
- She emphasized the importance of making the most of each tournament experience.
Fernandez Shines in Comeback
In another significant match, Leylah Fernandez made a notable comeback against Liudmila Samsonova, who was the first seeded player to exit the tournament. After losing the first set 5-7, Fernandez rebounded to win 7-5, 6-3.
This victory improved Fernandez’s chances as she dropped Samsonova to an uncomfortable 0-5 record in three-set matches this season.
Event Summary
- Sara Bejlek: Defeated Zeynep Sonmez 6-2, 6-2.
- Alexandra Eala: Advanced after Hailey Baptiste retired.
- Leylah Fernandez: Came from behind to beat Liudmila Samsonova 5-7, 7-5, 6-3.
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships continues to showcase emerging talent and established players. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.
