Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Alexandra Eala Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Alexandrova to end Eala's run in quarters

Andrew Hendrie

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Last updated: Wed 04 Feb 2026 23:37

Andrew Hendrie 04 Feb 2026

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Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Alexandra Eala predictions for Thursday's WTA Abu Dhabi QF
Alexandrova's strong quarter-final record gives her a slight edge
Eala produced stunning comeback in previous round & will have immense crowd support
The match is scheduled to start around 12.00am AEDT on Friday February 6

Expired

Ekaterina Alexandrova (Photo by Getty Images)

Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Alexandra Eala Tips, Prediction & Live Stream

Second seed Ekaterina Alexandrova will be up against Alexandra Eala and basically the entire crowd when the pair clash in the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open quarter-finals on Thursday.

Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Alexandra Eala Tips, Prediction & Live Stream
Alexandrova vs Eala Stats & Trends
Alexandrova vs Eala Head To Head
Ekaterina Alexandrova Form Analysis
Alexandra Eala Form Analysis
Alexandrova vs Eala Live Stream

I think it's pretty safe to say Eala is the most popular tennis player in the world right now. The 20-year-old commands seismic crowds at every tournament she enters, with Filipinos around the world flocking to her matches and selling out stadiums. It's no different in Abu Dhabi this week, with Eala sending her passionate fans into a frenzy by reaching the last eight, including her second round win over Aliaksandra Sasnovich, where she recovered from 0-4 down in the deciding set and saved a match point.

There's no doubt the crowd helped Eala get over the line, but I'm not sure it happens again here. Alexandrova is a step up in class and the World No. 11 has a terrific record in quarter-finals over the last few years. Eala trailed Sasnovich in basically every key stat and lost 10 more points throughout the match.

That sort of stuff catches up to you eventually, while winning just 54 per cent of first serve points is also concerning. Eala won't go down without a fight, but Alexandrova is the deserved favourite here and I expect her to get the job done.

Alexandrova vs Eala Stats & Trends

Alexandrova has won 15 of her last 22 quarter-final matches
Five of Alexandrova's last seven quarter-finals have seen Over 18.5 games
Five of Eala's last seven matches at all levels have seen Over 18.5 games
Eala's last five defeats have all seen Over 18.5 games
Three of Alexandrova's previous four matches in Abu Dhabi have seen Over 18.5 games
Eala's last four matches vs top 15 players have seen Over 18.5 games

Alexandrova vs Eala Head To Head

This will be the first career meeting between the pair.

Ekaterina Alexandrova Form Analysis

2026 Record: 2-3
WTA Abu Dhabi Record: 3-1
Current Ranking: No. 11
Career-High Ranking: No. 10 (Oct 2025)

Road to WTA Abu Dhabi quarter-finals

Round	Opponent	Score
First Round	Bye	—
Second Round (Round of 16)	Dayana Yastremska	6–3, 6–0

Alexandrova put together a career-best season in 2025, highlighted by winning her fifth WTA title in Linz and making three further finals.

Her consistency was strong enough to propel her into the world's top 10, but it hasn't been the best start to 2026.

The Russian was knocked out in the second round of Brisbane before suffering first round exits in Adelaide and the Australian Open to Jaqueline Cristiana and Zeynep Sonmez respectively.

After receiving a first round bye in Abu Dhabi, Alexandrova found some form, absolutely crushing Dayana Yastremska for the loss of just three games.

Alexandra Eala Form Analysis

2026 Record: 5-2
WTA Abu Dhabi Record: 2-1
Current Ranking: No. 45
Career-High Ranking: No. 45 (Feb 2026)

Road to WTA Abu Dhabi quarter-finals

Round	Opponent	Score
First Round	Zeynep Sonmez	6–4, 6–3
Second Round (Round of 16)	Aliaksandra Sasnovich	2–6, 6–4, 7–6(5)

It's been a stunning rise into the world's top 50 for Eala, who made waves last year by beating Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys to reach the Miami Open semi-finals, along with reaching her first WTA final in Eastbourne and taking out the 125 title in Guadalajara.

The 20-year-old has put together a solid start to 2026 too, reaching the Auckland semi-finals to begin the season - although she would have been disappointed with a first round exit at the Australian Open to Alycia Parks and quarter-final loss to Camila Osorio at her home tournament in the Phillipines.

Eala was granted a wildcard into Abu Dhabi and she's definitely justified it, beating the in-form Zeynep Sonmez in straight sets in the opening round before producing a stunning comeback to upstage lucky loser Aliaksandra Sasnovich in three to reach the quarter-finals. Eala was one point away from going down 5-0 in the deciding set before scripting a miraculous comeback.

“These moments are moments I only have dreamed about,” Eala said post-match.

“Selling out stadiums is insane and being in these matches in particular are just really the ones that kind of stick with you. And I’ve had a lot of them in the past year, so I’m really happy with this win.”

Alexandrova vs Eala Live Stream

Watch and bet on Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Alexandra Eala live tennis from Abu Dhabi.

You can watch and bet on the match live at Unibet > Tennis > WTA Abu Dhabi with the action available to stream on desktop and mobile.

Geo-restrictions apply, you'll need a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours to gain access. 18+ terms and conditions apply.

Verdict

Ekaterina Alexandrova v Alexandra Eala

Eala will have overwhelming crowd support and has pushed top players in the past, but I don't think her level is quite good enough right now - backing Alexandrova to prevail with Over 18.5 games.