Valentova edges Eala to set up All-Czech clash in Doha
Tereza Valentova beat Alexandra Eala 7-6 (6), 6-1 on Monday. She’ll play Czech Karolina Muchova, the No 14 seed, in the next round
Tereza Valentova, Wuhan 2025 – © Imago / Psnewz
Czech teenager Tereza Valentova continued her impressive transition to the senior tour on Monday afternoon, defeating Alexandra Eala 7-6 (6), 6-1 to reach the second round of the Qatar TotalEnergies Open.
The 18-year-old, currently ranked No 48 in the world, displayed superior composure during a tense opening set, clawing back from a break down to edge the Filipino star in a high-quality tiebreak.
Eala, the world No 115, pushed the Czech youngster to the limit in the early stages, but her resistance faded after dropping the 65-minute first set. Valentova capitalized on the momentum shift, dominating the second set with her aggressive baseline play and sharp serving.
The victory sets up a highly anticipated all-Czech encounter in the round of 32, as Valentova is scheduled to face the 14th seed and former Roland Garros finalist Karolina Muchova. This will be the first professional meeting between the two compatriots on the WTA Tour.
DOHA 1ST ROUND RESULTS
Noskova – Joint : 6-4, 6-0
Wang Xin. – Arango : 6-1, 7-5
Yastremska – Bucsa : 6-4, 4-6, 7-6
Siniakova – Tauson : 6-4, 6-1
Valentova – Eala : 7-6, 6-1
Navarro – Maria : 7-5, 6-1
