Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala is set for a high-stakes rematch against Croatian veteran Donna Vekic this Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The showdown is scheduled for 8:00 AM at the prestigious Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club in Melbourne, Australia, as part of the 2026 Kooyong Classic.
A Recent Rivalry Renewed
This encounter marks the second meeting between the two players in a short span. Their first clash occurred recently in the Round of 32 at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. In that thrilling match, Eala staged a remarkable comeback after dropping the first set. She ultimately defeated Vekic with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, showcasing her resilience and fighting spirit on the court.
Prestigious Preparation for Grand Slam Debut
The Kooyong Classic is an exclusive invitational event that attracts top-tier talent from around the globe. For Eala, this tournament is a critical component of her final preparations for a significant milestone: her main draw debut at the Australian Open. The experience of competing against seasoned players in a competitive environment like Kooyong is invaluable for the rising star.
This year's edition of the Kooyong Classic features a strong field, including former world number five Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia and local hope Priscilla Hon.
Riding a Wave of Confidence
Eala enters the Kooyong Classic with tremendous momentum and confidence. Her performance in Auckland, where she reached the semi-finals, has propelled her to a new career-high in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) rankings. She has risen to World No. 49 in the newly released standings, breaking into the top 50 for the first time.
This ranking breakthrough adds an extra layer of motivation as she steps onto the court in Melbourne. The rematch against Vekic is not just a preparatory match; it's an opportunity for Eala to prove her recent victory was no fluke and to solidify her form ahead of the year's first Grand Slam.
