Alex Eala says she's playing the best tennis of her career after beating Donna Vekic again at the Kooyong Classic, with her Australian Open debut next on the horizon.
Alex Eala believes she is reaching new heights ahead of her main draw debut at the Australian Open later this month.
This after the Filipina ace made a victorious appearance at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne on Wednesday against Donna Vekic.
Previously facing each other in the first round of the ASB Classic last week, Eala scored a repeat victory over Vekic to continue her strong start to her 2026 WTA season.
After a marathon three-setter at the ASB Classic, Eala showed improved form against the 2024 Olympic silver medalist to take the clean sweep this time, 6-3, 6-4.
[RELATED: Alex Eala repeats over Donna Vekic at Kooyong Classic]
Eala acknowledged the challenge of facing a player of Vekic’s credentials, who also has four WTA titles and a career-high ranking of 17.
“Thank you for playing Donna, it was a great match and I always have a tough time playing with her. So I had so much fun, especially with the support I got today,” said Eala after her match to the delight of the Filipino crowd.
With days left before Australian Open, Eala claimed that she is playing the best tennis of her career and is eager to test her mettle in the Grand Slam where she is yet to play at.
“I want to say this is the best I've ever played. I think I'm in a good moment. So I really hope to keep the momentum going, keep working hard and hopefully things will align for me in Australian Open,” she said.
Before competing in the Kooyong Classic, Eala reached the semifinals of the women’s singles event at the ASB Classic — her first tournament of the 2026 season.
Eala hopes to clinch her first win in the Australian Open main draw when the competition begins on January 21.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.