Alex Eala powered into the ASB Classic quarterfinals after dismantling Croatia’s Petra Marcinko in a dominant Round of 16 showing in Auckland.
Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala continued her impressive run in Auckland, delivering a commanding 6-0, 6-2 victory over Croatia’s Petra Marcinko to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 ASB Classic.
The 20-year-old Eala barely broke a sweat in the Round of 16, conceding just two games across the entire match as she dictated play from the baseline and repeatedly put pressure on Marcinko’s serve.
After a flawless opening set, Eala seized control in the second, ripping off a 4-0 run from a 2-2 deadlock to close out the match in commanding fashion.
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Eala now awaits the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Poland’s Magda Linette and Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the quarterfinals, setting up another potential measuring stick against established competition.
She is also set to compete in the women’s doubles quarterfinals, where she is teaming up with American Iva Jovic after the pair stunned Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina in the Round of 16.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.