Alex Eala advances in ASB Classic after beating Croatia's Donna Vekić
Alex Eala is off to a flying start this 2026. On Tuesday evening, the Filipina tennis star secured a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 comeback win against world No. 69 Donna Vekić at the WTA 250 ASB Classic in New Zealand.
The world No. 53 spent nearly three hours outlasting Vekić, a former world No. 17 and the 2024 Paris Olympics silver medalist.
Eala burst out to a 3-0 lead in the first set before the 29-year-old Croatian athlete stormed back to take the opener. After evening the match in the second set, Eala had to overcome physical discomfort, seeking medical attention before the deciding frame.
"It was a very close match, and thankfully, I was able to steal a couple points and perform well in certain difficult moments,” she said. “But it didn't go my way in the first set. So I think that just shows how tough it was out there.”
While the match was played in New Zealand, the Filipino crowd chanting her name gave her motivation. Eala was moved by the support, reflecting on how much her perspective has shifted over the last year.
"It's so special and if there's one thing I've learned in 2025, it's that home is a people and not a place so thank you, everyone. Maraming salamat," she told the crowd.
On Jan. 5, Eala and 18-year-old Iva Jovic from the US edged out Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina with a 7-6 (7), 6-1 victory.
The hard court game finished in 1 hour and 29 minutes, with the younger pair managing to save eight points in the first set. In the second set, the Philippine-American duo dominated, winning the first four games.
Eala is set to face Petra Marcinko, world No. 82, in the round of 16 on Thursday, Jan. 8.
