Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala continues to impress on the international stage, securing a commanding victory to advance to the quarterfinals of the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.
Dominant Display in the Round of 16
On Thursday morning, January 8, 2026 (Philippine time), the 20-year-old Eala faced off against Croatia's Petra Marcinko in the tournament's Round of 16. The match proved to be a showcase of Eala's growing prowess, as she dismantled her opponent with a decisive 6-0, 6-2 straight-sets victory. This marks her second consecutive win in the competition, solidifying her spot in the next round.
Eala's Reaction to the Victory
Speaking after the match, an elated Eala expressed her satisfaction with her performance against a high-quality opponent. "I feel amazing. I'm so happy with how I was able to compete and handle the different situations on court. It's never easy to play Petra," Eala stated. She acknowledged Marcinko's skill, adding, "She's obviously a very good player and she's been doing really well so I'm happy with how I played."
A Breakdown of the Match
The first set was a masterclass in efficiency from the Filipina ace. Eala dispatched Marcinko in a mere 22 minutes, not allowing her opponent a single game. The Croatian, a former world number one junior player, attempted a fightback in the second set, managing to take an early 2-1 lead. However, Eala quickly regained control of the match. She reeled off five consecutive games to close out the set and the match, sealing her dominant win and booking her ticket to the quarterfinals.
This impressive run at the ASB Classic highlights Alex Eala's continued ascent in professional tennis, bringing pride to the Philippines with her powerful and composed performances on the global circuit.
