Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra Eala experienced a heartbreakingly narrow defeat in the semifinals of the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The 20-year-old left-hander fought valiantly for nearly three hours but ultimately fell to seventh-seeded Chinese player Wang Xinyu in a gripping three-set match, with a final score of 5-7, 7-5, 6-4.
A Grueling Battle Under the Auckland Lights
The match, which stretched past 10:30 p.m. local time, was a rollercoaster of momentum swings that showcased Eala's immense fighting spirit and growing prowess on the professional circuit. Seeded fourth in the tournament, Eala faced an early onslaught from Wang, who raced to a commanding 5-1 lead in the first set. Unfazed, the Filipina phenom mounted a stunning comeback, winning six consecutive games with aggressive baseline play and incredible defensive retrievals to steal the set 7-5.
Eala carried that momentum into the second set. After an early break against her, she won three games in a row to take a 5-3 lead. The pivotal moment came when she earned a match point on her own serve, standing just one forehand away from a place in the final. However, a few costly unforced errors opened the door for Wang, who capitalized ruthlessly, winning the next four games to level the match and force a deciding third set.
So Close Yet So Far for the Fighting Filipina
Wang surged ahead once more in the final set, building a 4-0 advantage. Yet, true to her character, Eala refused to surrender. She clawed her way back into contention, breaking Wang's serve and pressuring her in extended rallies to close the gap to 5-4. In the end, Wang's composure held firm in the final game, allowing her to serve out the victory and advance to her second career WTA final.
The statistics underscored the razor-thin margins of the contest. Eala created 19 break point opportunities throughout the match, demonstrating her constant pressure. From the moment she missed her match point, the two warriors combined for a staggering 95 points, with Wang edging the critical stretch.
Momentum Gained Despite the Defeat
Despite the loss, Eala's performance in Auckland signals significant progress. The former junior Grand Slam champion defeated higher-ranked opponents to reach the semifinals, proving she can compete deep into the night against established tour contenders. Her grit, athleticism, and fearless shot-making were on full display.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Eala captured the emotion of the night, writing, "So close yet so far. 'Til my heart stops. Thank you, Auckland, for the warmest hospitality to start the year. Truly felt the wairua." Her opponent, Wang Xinyu, paid tribute to the effort, stating, "She's an absolute fighter. It was a crazy battle from start to the end."
Wang will now face top seed Elina Svitolina in the final, after Svitolina defeated American teenager Iva Jovic 7-6 (5), 6-2 in the other semifinal. For Alexandra Eala, this deep run provides powerful momentum as she continues her ascent in the 2026 WTA Tour season.
