Eala surges halfway to oust seasoned Vekic, advances in ABS Classic R16

Down one set early, fourth-seeded Alex Eala relished a midgame push, eking a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 turnaround against Croatia’s tennis pro Donna Vekic to punch her ticket in the ABS Classic 2026 round of 16  in New Zealand, Jan. 6.

The 20-year-old ace weathered a first set blip to reverse a two hour and 40-minute business against Croatian Vekic and eliminate her from the tournament leg. 

“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 preseason,” said the Filipina netter to ABS-CBN after toppling the World No. 69 Vekic. 

Eala held a comfortable 3-0 cushion from the get-go before Vekic disrupted her momentum and converted the next six games to steal the opener. 

After a series of seesaw-like affairs, Eala equalized the battle then took a 4-3 advantage in the last stretch before delivering her signature forehand play to seal the game in thrilling fashion.

Vekic’s service expertise came in handy as won 59-percent of her service points in the opening set. Eala, meanwhile, capitalized on her opponent’s nine double faults, compared to her six—to stay in contention. 

The left-handed Filipina also advanced to the doubles quarterfinal round on Jan. 5 with a 7-6 (7), 6-1 win together with American Iva Jovic against pair Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina. 

Moreover, Eala will now lock horns with former world No.1 junior Petra Marcinko on Jan. 8 at the same venue.