Alex Eala through to 2nd round of ASB Classic, overcomes Donna Vekic
Alex Eala at the ASB Classic in Auckland.–Photo from ASB Classic Instagram
MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala didn’t disappoint in her first singles match of the 2026 season.
Eala chalked up a gutsy win on Tuesday, rallying past Croatia’s Donna Vekic, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, in the opening round of the 2026 ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.
READ: Alex Eala, Iva Jovic beat Venus Williams, Svitolina at ASB Classic
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
Buoyed by a pro-Filipino crowd, Eala showed great resolve and brilliant shotmaking against a seasoned opponent in Vekic.
“It’s so special. If there’s one thing I learned in 2025, it’s that home is the people and not the place,” said Eala, drawing cheers from the fans at Centre Court at Manuka Doctor Arena in a match that lasted two hours and 40 minutes.
The 20-year-old Eala, coming off a stunning victory over multiple Grand Slam winners Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina in doubles play on Monday with fellow rising star Iva Jovic as her partner, sustained her fine form against the savvy Vekic.
READ: Alex Eala gets wildcard at Philippine Women’s Open
Vekic, who achieved a career-high world ranking of 17 in January of last year and silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, used her experience to get the headstart against Eala.
“She’s such an experienced player, super talented, and definitely very decorated. I really had a tough time today, but I’m most happy about being able to compete and show up at a level like this, especially after such a tough preseason and so many things that happened the past month,” said Eala.
Eala advanced to the round of 16 against another Croatian in Petra Marcinko. Marcinko beat Colombia’s Camila Osorio, 6-4, 0-6, 7-6, in her opening match.
