Janice Tjen: Eala Defeats Sonmez in Abu Dhabi, Highlighting Rising Stars and Inspiring Friendships
The first-round match at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open between Alexandra Eala and Zeynep Sonmez was more than just a competition between two promising players on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz; it was a clash of trailblazers representing their nations and a testament to a unique friendship forged through shared experiences.
Eala emerged victorious with a 6-4, 6-3 win in an hour and 29 minutes, improving her head-to-head record against Sonmez to 3-0. This victory follows their captivating performances at the Australian Open, where both players garnered significant support from their respective diaspora communities – a vibrant display of national pride and fan energy.
A Bond Beyond the Baseline
While the Abu Dhabi crowd was overwhelmingly in favor of Eala, her first instinct after the win was to acknowledge and celebrate her opponent. “I’m so honored to share the court with one of my closest friends, Zeynep,” Eala shared. “I admire her so much and she’s really making waves in many ways, and our friendship goes beyond tennis and I’m so grateful for that.”
The match itself was a fiercely contested affair, showcasing the similarities in their playing styles. Both Eala, currently ranked No. 45, and Sonmez favor aggressive, flat striking, taking the ball early and seeking sharp angles. Their games also feature attackable serves and an aggressive return of serve, resulting in a high number of service breaks – 10 out of 19 games in total.
Strategic Starts and Professional Focus
Eala’s strong starts to each set proved crucial, allowing her to maintain a lead throughout the match. She acknowledged the challenge of competing against a friend, stating, “Maybe it’s harder in the juniors, but as a professional you learn to disassociate. In the end, we both want the best for each other but we know that when we’re on court, we’re going to do our best, both of us, to do what we can.”
Looking Ahead
Eala will now face lucky loser Aliaksandra Sasnovich, who upset No. 8 seed Paula Badosa 6-4, 3-6, 6-1. Elsewhere in the tournament, No. 7 seed Jelena Ostapenko secured a dramatic victory, saving two match points against qualifier Oksana Selekhmeteva 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-2. Ostapenko will next play qualifier Sara Bejlek, who dominated Ashlyn Krueger 6-3, 6-0.
These matches highlight the exciting depth of talent on the WTA Tour and the inspiring journeys of players like Eala and Sonmez, who are not only achieving success on the court but also breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of athletes. You can find more information about the WTA tour here.
