Alex Eala is stepping into the new tennis season with unwavering confidence and ambitious aspirations, following a remarkable year that has established her as one of the promising young talents in the sport. As she prepares to compete in the WTA 250 ASB Classic at the ASB Tennis Center in Auckland, New Zealand, Eala is seeded fourth and is using the tournament as a preparatory stage for the upcoming Australian Open in Melbourne.
Eala, who boasts a ranking of No. 53 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), expressed her enthusiasm on Instagram, stating, “Nobody say I didn’t manifest it. Let’s start the 2026 season, shall we?” She accompanies this sentiment with a nostalgic photo of her hardcourt play, reflecting on her journey to prominence.
The tournament features a competitive field, including top seeds Elina Svitolina (WTA No. 14), Emma Navarro (WTA No. 15), and Iva Jovic (WTA No. 35). Notably, the legendary Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, is also in the draw, along with other participants like Janice Tjen and Varvara Gracheva. Eala has faced some of these players in previous WTA events, adding to the anticipation surrounding her matches.
In the doubles event, Eala will partner with Jovic, taking on the formidable team of Svitolina and Williams. Their match is scheduled for 8:50 a.m., followed by Eala’s singles match against Donna Vekic of Serbia, ranked WTA No. 69, slated for Tuesday at 6 a.m. Vekic, who has reached a career-high ranking of No. 17, is another notable challenger for Eala.
Eala’s performance has already drawn attention, as she recently triumphed over former Grand Slam champions at the Miami Open, setting a high standard for her career. The incoming Philippine Women’s Open, taking place from January 16-31 at the refurbished Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, marks a significant event in which Eala has secured a wildcard entry, making it a potential homecoming.
This year marks a significant transition for Eala, who earned a direct entry into the main draw as a Top-100 player, contrasting with her prior reliance on wildcard invitations. The only Grand Slam she has yet to play is the Australian Open, although she has already showcased her talent at Wimbledon, the French Open, and the US Open. Eala made history last year at the US Open by becoming the first Filipina to win a match in the main draw, defeating World No. 15 Clara Tauson.
As Eala embarks on this new season, her determination and skill reflect a bright future ahead, with the tennis world watching closely as she continues to rise through the ranks.