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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Eala survives Vekic, advances to second round of ASB Classic

Eala survives Vekic, advances to second round of ASB Classic

Published Jan 6, 2026 05:29 pm

At A Glance

  • The fourth-seeded Eala leaned on a strong second-set performance, breaking free from a 3-all deadlock to clinch the frame and carry that momentum through to the match victory.
Alex Eala is through the second round of the ASB Classic. (ASB Classic)
Alex Eala is through the second round of the ASB Classic. (ASB Classic)
Alex Eala overcame a first-set hiccup and outlasted Paris Olympics silver medalist Donna Vekic, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to advance to the second round of the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand on Tuesday, Jan. 6.
The fourth-seeded Eala leaned on a strong second-set performance, breaking free from a 3-all deadlock to clinch the frame and carry that momentum through to the match victory.
Though ranked lower than Eala by 16 notches at No. 69, Vekic displayed her vast experience of being a two-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist in the pivotal moments of the match.
But Eala’s grit won over, setting the 20-year-old Filipina tennis sensation a next duel with another Croatian in Petra Marcinko.
Marcinko, younger than Eala by just seven months, survived Camila Osorio,  6-4, 0-6, 7-6 (2).
Eala waxed hot early in the match, cruising to 3-0 lead before Vekic grabbed the momentum and forced a 4-all tie before claiming the opening set.
That didn’t deter Eala as regained her charge midway the second frame and kept her composure despite repeated rallies from Vekic.
While Eala’s win kept her title bid going, the potential singles showdown with former world No. 1 Venus Williams was dashed after Williams lost to fifth seed Magda Linette, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.
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