Alex Eala Beats Olympic Silver Medalist Donna Vekić Again at Kooyong Classic

Alex Eala faces Donna Vekić at the net after their match at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne on January 14, 2026. Screencap of One Sports broadcast.

Alex Eala continued her strong build-up to the Australian Open after securing a repeat victory over Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekić at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne on Wednesday.

The Filipina tennis star won in straight sets, 6–3, 6–4, marking her second consecutive victory over Vekić in just over a week. Their earlier meeting took place at the ASB Classic, where Eala also emerged victorious against the experienced Croatian campaigner.

The Kooyong Classic serves as an invitational exhibition tournament held in the days leading up to the Australian Open. It provides players with a competitive setting to fine-tune their form ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam.

Alex Eala has a proven track record at Melbourne Park, having won the Australian Open Girls’ Doubles title in 2020, becoming the first Filipina to claim a junior Grand Slam crown. She later made her debut in the Australian Open professional tournament in 2023, marking another milestone in her transition to the sport’s top level.

Eala’s latest win adds to her growing confidence early in the 2026 season. Beating the same high-caliber opponent in back-to-back matches highlights her steady progress as she prepares for the challenges of the Australian Open main draw.

While the Kooyong Classic does not carry official ranking points, performances at the event are closely watched as indicators of readiness for Melbourne Park.

Eala now shifts her focus to the Australian Open, where she will look to carry forward the momentum built from her recent victories.

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