Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala is set to launch her 2026 season at the prestigious ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. The tournament kicks off for Eala on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, with a challenging first-round match in the singles draw.
Tough Opening Match Against Experienced Croatian
Eala, currently ranked World No. 53 on the WTA tour, will face Croatian Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic. The 29-year-old Vekic, a former world No. 17, presents a significant test for the young Filipina. Despite her current ranking of No. 69, Vekic's career includes four WTA singles titles, marking her as a formidable and experienced opponent for Eala's opening match.
Entering the tournament as the fourth seed, Eala is positioned just behind top players like Ukraine's Elina Svitolina and Americans Emma Navarro and Iva Jovic in the seeding hierarchy. This placement highlights her rising status in the sport as she continues her 2026 campaign.
Doubles Partnership Adds Another Layer
Beyond her singles commitment, Alex Eala will also compete in the doubles event. She has teamed up with American teenager Iva Jovic, who is ranked No. 35 in singles. Their partnership will be tested immediately, as they face a legendary pair in their opening match on Monday.
Their first-round opponents are none other than American tennis icon and former world No. 1 Venus Williams and her partner, Elina Svitolina of Ukraine. This high-profile match promises to be a major highlight of the early tournament schedule, pitting youth and rising talent against immense experience and champion pedigree.
What This Means for Eala's Season
This tournament marks a crucial start to the 2026 season for the 20-year-old Eala. Facing a seasoned opponent like Vekic right away is an opportunity to gauge her off-season progress and set the tone for the year. Simultaneously, the high-stakes doubles match offers invaluable experience against one of the game's all-time greats. A strong performance in New Zealand could provide significant momentum as she aims to climb higher in the WTA rankings.
The ASB Classic is a key warm-up event for the Australian Open, making Eala's results here particularly important for her confidence and preparation for the first Grand Slam of the year. Filipino tennis fans will be watching closely as their top player takes on this dual challenge on the international stage.
