Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala kicked off her 2026 season with a monumental victory, overcoming seasoned Olympian Donna Vekic of Croatia in a gripping three-set battle at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.
A Comeback Forged in Resilience
The match, which took place on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 (Philippine Time), saw the 20-year-old Eala secure a place in the Round of 16 with a scoreline of 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. The nearly three-hour contest tested the young star's mettle against the experience of the 29-year-old Vekic, a silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Eala started the match on a fiery note, quickly establishing a 3-0 lead in the first set. However, Vekic leveraged her veteran composure and powerful game to win six of the next seven games, snatching the opening set and putting the Filipina on the back foot.
Strategic Shift Seals the Win
Undeterred by the setback, Eala made crucial adjustments. After gauging her opponent's style in the first set, she took control of the rallies in the subsequent sets. Her relentless determination and tactical precision allowed her to dictate play, ultimately clinching the next two sets to complete the impressive comeback victory.
In a heartfelt moment captured by GMANews.tv, Eala reflected on her journey, stating, "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." Her words highlighted the significance of her support system in her professional ascent.
Next Challenge: Another Croatian Hurdle
The win sets up an exciting Round of 16 clash on Thursday morning, January 8. Eala will face another Croatian opponent, Petra Marcinko, as she continues her campaign at the prestigious WTA 250 event. This next match presents another opportunity for the rising Filipina star to advance deeper into the tournament and continue making her mark on the international tennis stage.
Eala's triumph over a top-ranked and decorated player like Vekic is a significant milestone, signaling her growing prowess and potential to compete with the sport's elite. Filipino sports fans will be eagerly watching her next move in Auckland.
