Philippines' Alexandra Eala reacts while playing Australia's Maya Joint during their women's singles final tennis match on day six of the Lexus Eastbourne International tennis tournament in Eastbourne, southern England, on June 28, 2025. Adrian Dennis, AFP/File
(UPDATED) Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is off to a strong start in 2026, as she outlasted Donna Vekić of Croatia to open her campaign in the ASB Classic in Auckland.
Eala, seeded fourth, recovered from a blip in the opening round to take a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 win against world No. 69 Vekić.
It was a strong effort from the Filipina as she ousted Vekić, the silver medalist in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"I really had a tough time today but I'm most happy about being able to compete and show up at the level like this especially after such a tough pre-season," said Eala.
"So many things that happened the past months so I'm proud about that," she added.
Vekić, 29, rallied from a 0-3 deficit in the opening set and came back to stun Eala, 6-4.
The Filipina regrouped in the second set, breaking early to surge ahead, 2-0. Though Vekić fought back and closed the gap, 5-4, Eala held firm and outlasted the Croatian in long exchanges to force a decider.
Both players traded blows in the third set, but Eala found another gear to break away from a 3-3 deadlock.
"It's so special and if there's one thing I've learned in 2025, it's that home is the people and not the place so thank you everyone, maraming salamat," Eala said after her match.
On Monday, Eala had teamed up with American teenager Iva Jovic to beat veterans Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina in doubles.
Eala is set to play Petra Marčinko, another Croatian, in the second round.