Alex Eala Opens 2026 Season with Grit-Filled Singles Win at WTA ASB Classic

Alex Eala celebrates her first singles victory of the 2026 season at the WTA ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. Photo courtesy of ASB Classic.

Filipino tennis star Alex Eala opened her 2026 season with a hard-fought singles victory at the WTA ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, showing composure, resilience, and a growing connection with Filipino fans overseas.

Eala defeated Croatia’s Donna Vekić, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, in the first round of the WTA 250 tournament on Tuesday night. The ASB Classic match report by David Long stated that, although the match was played inside a tennis arena, the atmosphere felt more akin to that of a football stadium, as hundreds of Filipino supporters filled the stands and cheered her on throughout the contest.

The support in the arena tonight is 🥁 📣💥‼️ #ASBClassic26 pic.twitter.com/L8fbK1Dg1D

— ASB Classic (@ASB_Classic) January 6, 2026

The crowd, largely made up of members of Auckland’s Filipino community, played a visible role in the match’s intensity. Their energy remained strong through the two-hour and 40-minute battle, which was among the most competitive matches of the tournament so far.

“It’s so amazing just to have all these people show up,” Eala said after the match.
“It definitely adds to the tension, the atmosphere and obviously the emotions after the match. So I’m grateful, I’m grateful that they took time out of their day to watch and support.”

After losing the opening set, Eala stayed steady and found ways to perform in crucial moments as the match grew tighter. The deciding set brought late drama, but she maintained pressure and earned the points she needed to secure the win.

“It was a very close match, and thankfully, I was able to steal a couple points and perform well in certain difficult moments,” she said.
“But it didn’t go my way in the first set. So I think that just shows how tough it was out there.”

The crowd erupted when Eala sealed the victory, a reaction that reflected her rising profile on the international tour. For the 20-year-old Filipina, the support continues to be both motivating and humbling.

“Every time, it just amazes me, and I enjoy so much,” Eala said.
“I’m so grateful because they really show up and they really support.”

Eala’s singles win came just a day after a memorable doubles victory that she described as a “highlight of my career.” Teaming up with Iva Jović, she defeated former world No. 1s Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina in the first round of the doubles event, adding to the momentum of her opening week in Auckland.

That sense of connection carried over into her singles match, as Eala once again felt the presence of Filipino fans far from home.

“If there’s one thing I learned in 2025, it’s that home is the people and not the place,” she said during her post-match interview, forming a heart sign with her hands.

The ASB Classic is a key warm-up event on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour ahead of the Australian Open. Eala entered the tournament as one of the seeded players, reflecting her steady rise in the global rankings following a breakthrough 2025 season.

Her win in Auckland marks an encouraging start to the year as she continues to build momentum against experienced players on the international circuit. For Filipino sports fans, Eala’s performance highlights the growing presence of Philippine athletes in elite global competitions.

This first highlight clip captures how Alex Eala stayed composed as the match tightened, drawing energy from the crowd to stay competitive.

A breathtaking point 😮‍💨

Alex Eala with the cross-court winner after a fantastic rally with Vekic 👏

#ASBClassic26 pic.twitter.com/SZSCI3KNa7

— wta (@WTA) January 6, 2026

Watch key moments from Eala’s comeback as she applied pressure in crucial points to secure her opening singles win.

Never count her out 😤

Alex Eala completes the comeback against Vekic in Auckland, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4!#ASBClassic26 pic.twitter.com/hYhMQ86692

— wta (@WTA) January 6, 2026

Read more uplifting stories about Filipinos making waves around the world at GoodNewsPilipinas.com