Eala powers past Marcinko, cruises to ASB Classic quarterfinals

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala secured a quarterfinals berth in the ASB Classic as she cruised to a strong sweep victory against Croatian Petra Marcinko, 6-0, 6-2, in Auckland, New Zealand, Jan. 8.

Eala delivered a stellar performance early in the opening set, taking all six games to blank world No. 82 Marcinko.

The streak continued into the second frame, with Eala successfully taking the seventh game before Marcinko took charge and reversed the set into a 1-2 deficit. 

Marcinko’s attempt to mount a comeback fell short as Eala regained her composure and rattled off five straight games to seal the match.

World Rank 53 Eala previously survived another Croatian, Donna Vekic to kick off her tournament campaign.

The Filipina star will lock horns against Polish player Magda Linette in the quarterfinals on the morning of Jan. 9 (PHT).

Meanwhile, she will team up with American Iva Jovic against Chinese pair Xu Yifan and Yang Zhaoxuan for the doubles semifinals in the afternoon.