By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense tennis standout Alexandra Eala scored a statement victory by outlasting Croatia’s Donna Vekić, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, in the Round-of-32 of the 2026 ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand on Tuesday, January 6.

Eala rebounded after dropping the opening set, tightening her service games and applying steady pressure on return to turn the match around on Center Court.

“It’s so special. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned in 2025, it’s that home is a people and not a place. So, thank you everyone. Maraming salamat,” she said during her on-court interview.

Eala broke Vekić six times in 12 opportunities and won 103 total points to edge the Croatian’s 96 in a closely contested encounter.

Despite both players posting identical 58 percent first-serve rates, Eala was more efficient on key points, winning 67 percent of points on her first serve.

The 20-year-old Eala also showed resilience in extended rallies, nearly matching Vekić in receiving points won while maintaining composure in the decisive third set.

Vekić fired seven aces but was undone by nine double faults, while Eala limited her own errors to stay within striking distance throughout the two-hour match.

“Like you said, she’s such an experienced player and super talented and definitely very decorated,” Eala said of her opponent.

“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 and so many things [that have] happened over the past month. I’m proud about that,” she added.

The win sends Eala into the Round-of-16 of the Auckland event against World’s No. 82 Petra Marcinko on Thursday, January 8.

She is also competing in the doubles event along with Iva Jovic against Renata Zarazúa, and Jesika Malecková./ASC, WDJ