Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala is turning her attention to the Dubai Tennis Championships this week, hoping to bounce back after a disappointing early exit in Qatar.

Initially slated to play in the qualifiers, Eala has received a direct entry into the main draw of the WTA 1000 event, which kicks off on Sunday.

The 20-year-old, currently World No. 40, will be competing in her first Dubai tournament and her second consecutive WTA 1000 event of the year.

Eala aims to improve on her recent performance at the Qatar Open, where she fell in the round of 64 to Tereza Valentova, 6(6)-7, 1-6, last Monday.

This marks Eala’s sixth tournament of the year and her third in the Middle East, signaling her continued rise on the WTA tour and determination to establish herself among the elite.