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Turkish pro-tennis player Zeynep Sonmez was eliminated in the opening round of the 2026 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, following a straight-sets defeat to Alexandra Eala on Monday. The loss marked an early end to Sonmez’s campaign at the WTA 500 tournament held in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Competing on the hard courts of Zayed Sports City, the world's No. 79 faced a challenging first-round draw against Eala, who ranks 45th in the WTA standings. The Filipino player delivered a composed and controlled performance, defeating Sonmez 6-4, 6-3 to secure her place in the next round.
Sonmez, who has recently attracted attention with her impressive run at the 2026 Australian Open, where she advanced to the third round in the women’s singles draw, entered the tournament with high expectations.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
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