ABU DHABI, UAE – 02 February 2026: Large crowds flocked to Zayed Sports City for day three of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, presented by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, as fans enjoyed world-class tennis headlined by an emphatic victory from crowd favourite Alexandra Eala. Off the court, 2,897 students from 41 schools attended as part of the tournament’s free-entry initiative for children until Thursday.
The action kicked off with some upsets as Spanish former World No.2 Paula Badosa was eliminated by Aliaksandra Sasnovich on Stadium Court in a three-set thriller. Meanwhile, qualifier Sara Bejlek defeated last year’s finalist Ashlyn Krueger in straight sets. One of the finest matches of the day was between Maya Joint and Janice Tjen with the Indonesian triumphing 7-6, 3-6, 6-3. Tjen said after the victory: “This is my first time in Abu Dhabi and it’s been so nice. It means so much to me the support I received today from the fans. The Indonesian fans were chanting ‘let’s go’ in my language which was amazing.”
In the evening, Jelena Ostapenko came from a set behind to beat Oksana Selekhmeteva. The Latvian said after the impressive comeback victory: “I gave it my all on the court and am so happy with the win. The UAE is one of my favourite countries to play in and the atmosphere was amazing.”
Away from the tennis, school students met France’s Kristina Mladenovic for a group photo with the former world No.1 doubles star, before five-time WTA title winner Leylah Fernandez impressed fans during a Q&A in the Hospitality Pavilion. Around the Tournament Village, families enjoyed playing in mini tennis matches, watching roaming Roller Skates acts and soaking up the sun in a chilled environment.
In the final match of the day in front of a packed-out Stadium Court, Filipina star Alex Eala delighted the crowds with a straight set victory against Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez. The 20 year old was elated with the win. She said: “Recently I’ve been playing in front of so many big crowds and I’m starting to find my groove a bit. I really appreciate all the fans coming to watch me with their families, especially on weekdays.” Following the match, she went for a meet and greet with Alfonso Ferdinand Ver – the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE.
Nigel Gupta, Tournament Director at Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, said: “It was another wonderful day of tennis in Abu Dhabi. It’s been fantastic to see such strong crowds throughout the event, and especially to see so many schoolchildren enjoying the experience today. The draw produced a mouth-watering match-up between two highly supported players, and while there could only be one winner, congratulations to Eala. We’re really looking forward to what the rest of the week has in store.”
The headline fixtures to look out for tomorrow (Tuesday) are seven-time WTA Tour title winner Luidmila Samsonova versus Janice Tjen on Stadium Court, an all-American clash between Hailey Baptiste and Emma Navarro and then Philippines hotshot Alex Eala will play doubles with Tjen against Leylah Fernandez and Kristina Mladenovic after 6:30pm on ADCB Court 1.
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open runs through 7 February 2026, blending WTA 500 action with community initiatives, including the Road to MADO youth pathway finals and the tournament’s inaugural wheelchair tennis invitational, presented by the WTA Foundation.