Sorana Cîrstea, eliminated from the Dubai tournament » The Romanian will leave with a substantial check
Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, 22:57 / Updated on Wednesday, 18 February 2026 22:58
Sorana Cirstea (35 years old, 32nd WTA rank) was eliminated in the round of 16 of the WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai, after a two-set defeat to Filipina Alexandra Eala (20 years old, 47th WTA rank).
The Romanian lost 5-7, 4-6, at the end of a match of one hour and 39 minutes.
He led in the first set, but did not close
Cîrstea had the initiative in the first set and was in the lead four times, the last time at 5-4. However, Eala came back, achieved the decisive break and closed the set 7-5.
In the second act, the Filipina started strongly, with two breaks and a 4-0 advantage. Cîrstea reduced the difference and got closer to 4-5, but Eala managed the end and won 6-4.
For a place in the semi-finals, Alexandra Eala will face Coco Gauff, world number 3.
Cîrstea and Cristian, identical rewards
Sorana Cîrstea remains with a check for 49,250 dollars and 120 WTA points, after a course in which she previously eliminated Linda Noskova (21 years old, #14 WTA), score 6-1, 6-4.
Jaqueline Cristian (27 years old, #39 WTA) also stopped in the round of 16, defeated by Mirra Andreeva (#7 WTA), score 5-7, 3-6.
Cristian came after the abandonment of the German Ella Seidel, who retired after the first set clearly won by the Romanian, 6-0.
For the presence in the eighth, Jaqueline Cristian will receive, in turn, 49,250 dollars and 120 WTA points. The Romanian climbed to the 33rd place in the world, the best ranking of her career, after occupying the 35th position in January.
Quarter-finals in Dubai
-
Antonia Ruzic (#67 WTA) – Elina Svitolina (#9 WTA)
-
Coco Gauff (#3 WTA) – Alexandra Eala (#47 WTA)
-
Clara Tauson (#15 WTA) – Jessica Pegula (#5 WTA)
-
Mirra Andreeva (#7 WTA) – Amanda Anisimova (#6 WTA)
