Alexandra Eala launched her 2026 season with a determined comeback on Tuesday, overcoming Donna Vekic 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the first round of the ASB Classic in Auckland. The 20-year-old Filipina needed resilience and composure to turn around a match that swung repeatedly over nearly three hours.

Eala entered the singles match carrying momentum from an emotional doubles victory the night before. Teaming with close friend Iva Jovic, she defeated Elina Svitolina and Venus Williams in straight sets, a result she later described as one of the highlights of her young career.

That doubles performance lingered with her into singles play. Eala said she rewatched the match highlights at her hotel and drew confidence from competing successfully against two of the sport’s most recognizable names.

Vekic, now ranked No. 69 after a difficult 2025 season, started sharply in singles action. After falling behind 3-0, the Croatian found her rhythm and dominated the latter stages of the opening set, winning six of the final seven games with aggressive forehand play.

Eala responded with greater control to open the second set. She broke early for a 2-0 lead, punctuating the shift in momentum with a spectacular defensive point that energized the Auckland crowd.

Momentum continued to swing as both players traded breaks in a tense second set. Vekic briefly extended the contest by saving two set points at 5-3, but Eala regrouped and broke again to force a deciding set.

Eala holds nerve in deciding set

The third set followed a similar script, with neither player able to fully pull away. Eala appeared poised to close the match when she served at 5-3, only to surrender the game after a costly double fault.

Despite the setback, Vekic was unable to capitalize on the opening. Her forehand, which had carried her through the first set, became increasingly unreliable as the rallies lengthened.

On her first match point, Eala stepped inside the baseline and drove a forehand winner into the corner to seal the victory. The point capped a dramatic performance that underlined her growing belief at tour level.

Filipina support felt in Auckland

Since her breakthrough run to the Miami semifinals last season, Eala has drawn strong backing from Filipino fans around the world. That support was again evident in New Zealand, where she acknowledged the crowd following the marathon contest.

In her postmatch interview, Eala reflected on lessons learned over the past year, emphasizing the importance of community over geography. She thanked supporters while gesturing a heart toward the stands.

Eala will next face another Croatian in Petra Marcinko, ranked No. 82, in a first-time meeting. Marcinko advanced after rallying past Camila Osorio, earning her first tour-level win since 2023.

Both players share a junior pedigree, having captured Grand Slam titles in 2022. Marcinko lifted the Australian Open trophy, while Eala claimed the US Open crown, setting the stage for an intriguing second-round matchup.