Alex Eala hopes to get a good start to her 2026 ASB Classic women’s singles campaign with an interesting matchup with Donna Vekic.
Alex Eala kicks off her 2026 women’s singles campaign at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, facing Paris Olympics silver medalist Donna Vekic in a compelling Round of 32 matchup on Tuesday, January 6.
Eala enters the tournament carrying momentum after an eye-catching doubles win on Monday, when she teamed up with American Iva Jovic to upset seasoned stars Elina Svitolina and Venus Williams—a confidence booster that underscores the Filipina’s growing presence on the WTA Tour.
[READ: Alex Eala, Iva Jovic drub Elina Svitolina, Venus Williams in ASB Classic doubles]
Ranked World No. 53, Eala currently sits ahead of Vekic (No. 69) in the WTA standings, signaling the Filipina's steady climb among the sport’s elite.
Still, the challenge is formidable.
Vekic, a tour veteran since 2012, brings a wealth of experience and pedigree to the court. The Croatian reached a career-high World No. 17 in January 2025 and showcased her big-match credentials with a Wimbledon semifinal run in 2024, where she battled Jasmine Paolini in the longest women’s singles semifinal in tournament history.
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For Eala, the opening-round clash offers an early litmus test against a proven opponent—and a chance to set the tone for her 2026 singles season.
A strong showing against Vekic would not only validate her ranking rise but also announce her readiness to contend deep into the year on the WTA circuit.
(With reports from Luisa Morales)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]