Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra Eala continues her remarkable run at the ASB Classic in Auckland, securing a spot in the tournament's semifinals after a commanding performance on Friday, January 9, 2026.
Dominant Victory Over Linette
The 19-year-old from the Philippines, seeded fifth, delivered a masterclass to defeat fourth-seeded Polish player Magda Linette with a score of 6-3, 6-2. This victory marks Eala's first win against Linette in their three career meetings, achieved in just one hour and 37 minutes.
Eala's aggressive play on return was a key factor, as she created 14 break-point opportunities and successfully converted six of them. She also saved five of the seven break points she faced, showcasing her resilience under pressure. During a dominant stretch, she won eight out of nine games, completely controlling the match's momentum.
"I do what I can, and if I see an opening, I think it’s important to go for it," Eala said after the match. "Magda is such an experienced player, and I’ve had difficulties against her before, so I’m happy to see my level improving."
Road to the Final Four
Eala's path to the semifinals has been impressive. She began the tournament with a comeback victory over Donna Vekic, losing the first set but winning the next two. Since then, her form has been scintillating. In the quarterfinals, she dropped only seven games across two matches, including a dominant 6-0, 6-2 win over Petra Marcinko before her triumph over Linette.
In the semifinals, Eala will face China's Wang Xinyu, the tournament's seventh seed. Wang advanced after her opponent, Francesca Jones, retired due to a right thigh injury while trailing 6-4, 4-3, 30-0.
Historic Implications for Both Players
This semifinal clash carries significant weight for both athletes. Each is chasing her first-ever WTA Tour singles title and a place in her second career tour-level final. Both players reached their first finals during the grass-court season last summer.
For Eala, this run further cements her status as a trailblazer for Philippine tennis. She remains the only Filipina ranked in the PIF WTA standings, carrying the hopes of a nation on her shoulders.
Her opponent, Wang Xinyu, faces a personal hurdle. The 24-year-old from Shenzhen has an 0-8 record in tour-level hard-court semifinals, having won only one set across those eight matches. She will be desperate to break that streak and follow in the footsteps of her compatriot Zheng Jie, the only Chinese player to win the ASB Classic singles title back in 2012.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as Alexandra Eala looks to continue her historic campaign and move one step closer to a landmark WTA title for the Philippines.
