Eala Stages Comeback in Auckland; Linette Defeats Venus Williams

Alexandra Eala began her 2026 tennis season successfully on January 10, achieving a determined comeback in Auckland. She secured a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Donna Vekic in the opening round of the ASB Classic.

Eala’s Memorable Double Win

Just a day prior, the 20-year-old Filipina celebrated a significant career moment. She, alongside partner Iva Jovic, triumphed over the renowned duo of Elina Svitolina and Venus Williams. The match concluded with a score of 7-6(7), 6-1 in the first round of the doubles tournament.

The excitement of playing with a close friend against established stars fueled Eala’s performance in singles. After reviewing the highlights of the doubles match in her hotel room, she drew inspiration for her singles clash against Vekic.

Match Highlights and Turning Points

• Vekic played a strong first set, leading the game after a 3-0 deficit.
• Eala displayed outstanding defensive skills to take the second set.
• Both competitors exchanged momentum in a tightly contested match.
• Eala saved two set points at 5-3 before closing out the second set.
• In the final set, Eala initially struggled but regained control, ultimately winning the match on her first match point.

Fan Support and Personal Reflections

Following her victory, Eala expressed gratitude for her Filipino supporters. “If there’s one thing I learned in 2025, it’s that home is the people and not the place,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of her fanbase.

Upcoming Challenge

Eala’s next challenge is set against fellow junior Grand Slam champion, Petra Marcinko. Marcinko, ranked No. 82, secured her first tour-level win since 2023 by defeating Camila Osorio.

Other Tournament Highlights

• No. 1 seed Elina Svitolina defeated Varvara Gracheva 6-3, 6-1, advancing smoothly to the next round.
• Venus Williams, the wild card entry and 2015 champion, faced defeat against No. 5 seed Magda Linette, with a match score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.

Williams showcased impressive efforts, producing several brilliant backhand winners early on in the match but ultimately was unable to maintain her lead against Linette.