Alex Eala eyes her second career tour-level final as she takes on Wang Xinyu in the 2026 ASB Classic semifinals in Auckland.
Alex Eala steps into the biggest match of her ASB Classic campaign as she faces Wang Xinyu in the semifinals of the ASB Classic on Saturday, January 10.
The 20-year-old Filipina arrives in the last four, brimming with confidence after her most complete week on tour to date.
Eala opened the tournament with a gritty comeback win over Donna Vekic, then shifted into top gear by dropping just seven games across her next two matches, including a statement straight-sets victory over Magda Linette to reach the semifinals.
Wang, the No. 7 seed, presents a different challenge. The 24-year-old from China brings flat power, clean ball-striking, and experience at the latter stages of tour-level events.
While she reached the semifinals after Francesca Jones retired with a thigh injury, Wang has looked solid all week and will be eager to snap her 0–8 record in hard-court semifinals.
Both players are chasing their second career tour-level final, but the spotlight is firmly on Eala, who is bidding to take another historic step for Philippine tennis.
With momentum on her side and belief growing with every round, the Filipina enters the semifinal knowing she is just one win away from the biggest final of her young career.
Match begins at 12:30 p.m. (Manila time).
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo/One Sports)
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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.]