Alex Eala kicked off her 2026 season with a remarkable victory at the ASB Classic, where she and her American doubles partner Iva Jovic stunned a formidable duo comprised of Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina and the legendary Venus Williams. The young pair triumphed with a score of 7-6 (9-7), 6-1 in their Round 1 match at the ASB Tennis Center in Auckland, New Zealand.
The 20-year-old Eala and 18-year-old Jovic displayed impressive resilience in the opening set, saving a total of eight set points after falling behind 3-5. They turned the momentum in their favor, ultimately winning a tense tiebreak before decisively taking control in the second set. This significant upset showcases the power of youth as the Filipina-American team, leveraging their stamina and agility, dispatched the seasoned veterans in just one hour and 29 minutes.
Expressing gratitude to her supporters after the match, Eala said, “Maligayang Pasko and Happy New Year to everybody. Thank you so much for supporting me and Iva. I had such a good time on court. I think we had a lot of fun.” She also reflected on the honor of sharing the court with two players she has admired throughout her career.
Currently positioned as WTA No. 53, Eala will transition to singles competition beginning Wednesday, where she prepares to face Croatia’s Donna Vekic in her first-round match. Jovic, ranked No. 35, is also continuing in singles after overcoming Gabriela Knutson with a comeback win of 4-6, 6-1, 6-0.
The formidable Svitolina, a former World No. 3 and holder of 18 pro titles, is currently ranked No. 13, while Williams, now ranked No. 582 after a 16-month break from professional play, boasts an impressive collection of Grand Slam titles and Olympic medals.
Eala and Jovic will now await their next challenge in the quarterfinals, where they will face either the top-seeded pair of Erin Routliffe and Asia Muhammad or the duo of Jesika Maleckova and Renata Zarazua.
The ASB Classic and the upcoming Kooyong Classic are pivotal warm-up events for Eala, as they lead up to her debut in the Australian Open, beginning January 18. Following the Australian Open, she is set to return home as a wildcard participant in the Philippine Women’s Open, scheduled for January 26-31, depending on her performance in Australia. This season promises to be an exciting one for the young talent as she competes on both the international and home front.