Eala, Jovic move into ASB Classic doubles semis after walkover

Alex Eala’s strong start to the season continued as she and partner Iva Jovic advanced to the ASB Classic women’s doubles semifinals via walkover, keeping the Filipina teenager’s Auckland campaign firmly on track, Jan. 8.

Eala and Jovic were slated to face Jesika Maleckova and Renata Zarazua in the quarterfinals, but the match did not push through, allowing the American-Filipina tandem to book a spot in the last four without taking the court. 

The result sends them into a semifinal clash against third seeds Xu Yifan of China and Yang Zhaoxuan, scheduled on Jan. 10.

The walkover comes after Eala and Jovic announced their presence in the tournament with an eye-catching straight-sets win over tennis veterans Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina in the round of 16. 

That victory underscored the pair’s chemistry and composure, especially against opponents with vastly more experience on the doubles stage.

Eala also carried her momentum into singles play earlier, dismantling Croatia’s Petra Marcinko, 6–0, 6–2, to reach the quarterfinals. 

With a semifinal berth secured in doubles and another quarterfinal appearance in singles, Eala continues to build rhythm and belief in what is shaping up to be a promising opening stretch of her 2026 campaign.