Alex Eala vs Leylah Fernandez Mubadala DC Open Round of 16

Alex Eala’s debut campaign at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open faces a major hurdle as she takes on defending champion Leylah Fernandez in the Round of 16.

Mubadala DC Open schedule

July 29, Wednesday

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11pm – Alex Eala vs Leylah Fernandez

Alex Eala ousts Leylah Fernandez to reach DC Open quarterfinals

MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala ousted defending champion Leylah Fernandez with an impressive 6-2, 7-6 (1) victory to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the Mubadala DC Open in Washington, D.C.

Showcasing grit once again, Eala rallied from a 5-1 deficit in the second set before overwhelming Fernandez in the tiebreak to level their head-to-head series at one win apiece.

“I think I definitely had some tough moments in that match, and credit to Leylah, she put me in some really tough positions,” Eala, who previously lost to Fernandez in the Stuttgart Open in April, said. “So, I think I’m super proud of how I fought and how I stayed in there.”

On the verge of playing another three-setter, Eala responded by winning five straight games to take a 6-5 lead, but Fernandez held serve to force a tiebreak.

The Filipino tennis star wasted no time in the tiebreak, building a 3-0 advantage before Fernandez got on the board. Eala then won four straight points to close out the match in one hour and 53 minutes.

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LIVE: Alex Eala vs Leylah Fernandez – Mubadala DC Open Round of 16

FINAL: Alex Eala ousts defending champion Leylah Fernandez with a 6-2, 7-6 (1) victory to advance to the Mubadala DC Open quarterfinal.

6-1 for Alex Eala. One more point for the match.

5-1 lead for Alex Eala in the tiebreak.

Leylah Fernandez forces a tie-break. 6-6.

Alex Eala retakes the lead, 6-5 with a service hold. One more game for the match.

What a rally for Alex Eala! Set 2 is tied at 5-5 all. She won four straight games.

Alex Eala on return, looking to force an extension of the second set.

Big hold for Alex Eala. She’s now won 3 straight games but still down 5-4.

Alex Eala breaks for back to game backs. She’s hanging in there with a 5-3 deficit.

Break point for Alex Eala, 40-0.

Alex Eala extends the second set. She’s still down 5-2.

Leylah Fernandez on the verge of forcing a decider with a 5-1 advantage vs Alex Eala.

40-0 lead for Fernandez in the sixth game.

Leylah Fernandez with her second break. 4-1 lead now in the second set.

Leylah Fernandez on a roll. She’s won 3 straight games and is up 30-0 in the fifth game.

Leylah Fernandez holds for a 3-1 lead in the second set.

Leylah Fernandez at advantage again.

Alex Eala comes back to reach break point.

Back to back points for Fernandez to take the 40-30 lead.

Alex Eala races to a 30-0 lead on the return.

Leylah Fernandez with her first break of the match. She takes the lead, 2-1, in the second game.

Alex Eala forces a deuce!

Alex Eala trying to rally, pulls within 40-30.

Break point for Fernandez at 40-0.

Alex Eala serving, but Leylah Fernandez starts at 30-0.

Leylah Fernandez with a big hold to tie the second set, 1-1.

Lengthy second game with Fernandez back in advantage.

Fernandez gains advantage.

Alex Eala reaches break point, but Fernandez forces a deuce.

Second game tied at 30-30.

Strong start again for Alex Eala with a 1-0 lead.

40-15 lead for Eala to start the first game of the second set.

Second set underway.

Alex Eala takes the first set, 6-2, vs defending champion Leylah Fernandez.

Leylah Fernandez forces a deuce.

Alex Eala at set point, 40-30.

Leylah Fernandez double faults. Eighth game tied at 15-15.

Quick hold for Alex Eala as she moves ahead 5-2. One more game for the set.

40-0 lead for Alex in the seventh game.

Leylah Fernandez holds to pull within, 4-2.

Alex Eala staves off the break point and holds for the 4-1 advantage.

Alex Eala with a double fault. Deuce.

Back to back points for Alex Eala to reach advantage.

Leylah Fernandez at break point, 40-30, in the fifth game.

Fernandez holds to love to get on the board. She’s down 3-1.

Leylah Fernandez responds with a 40-0 lead on serve.

Hot start for Alex Eala vs the defending champion! She’s now up 3-0.

Alex Eala with the early break. She’s up 2-0.

Another 40-0 start for Alex Eala with Leylah Fernandez serving.

Alex Eala takes the first game with a hold to love for a 1-0 lead.

40-0 lead for Eala to start the first game.

Match underway. Alex Eala serves first.

Both players wearing green kits.

Upcoming: Alex Eala vs Leylah Fernandez. Players have made their way to the court. This is the second meeting of the two this year.

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Alex Eala expects ‘tough’ test vs Leylah Fernandez at DC Open

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