Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala opened her 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion, teaming up with American rising star Iva Jovic to pull off a stunning doubles victory at the ASB Classic in Auckland. On Monday, the youthful pairing stunned fans and experts alike by defeating tennis icons Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina, 7-6 (7), 6-1, in a match that showcased both grit and composure.
The first set was a nail-biter, with the seasoned duo of Williams, 45, and Svitolina, 31, taking a narrow 6-5 lead before Eala delivered a decisive serve and winner, while Jovic angled a precise shot to force a 6-all tie and push the set into a tiebreak. In the high-pressure breaker, the young duo saved all eight set points, claiming the first set and carrying momentum into a dominant second set.
RELATED: [Alex Eala Climbs To Career-High No. 54 In WTA Rankings]
Rising Talent Shines on the Big Stage
Jovic, still a teenager, is rapidly making a name for herself on the WTA Tour, already reaching the Top 40 in singles, capturing a WTA Tour title, and boasting junior Grand Slam doubles wins at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Eala, meanwhile, continues to gain invaluable experience facing elite competition, building on her breakthrough 2025 season that saw her claim her first WTA title at the Guadalajara 125 Open and a historic semifinal run at the Miami Open.
Eala reflected on the match, saying, “There was a great first set and you get the momentum after that. But it’s so easy to kind of crash, and I think we did a good job of keeping each other’s energy.” Their impressive performance included a first-serve percentage of 69 and winning 61 percent of first points, outpacing Williams and Svitolina, who managed 58 and 51 percent, respectively.
Putting the World on Notice
This win not only advances Eala and Jovic to the quarterfinals but also sends a strong message about the emergence of a new generation of tennis stars. For Eala, the victory is a confidence booster ahead of her singles match against Croatia’s Donna Vekic.
Beyond individual triumphs, the young duo’s success inspires Filipino tennis fans, highlighting the country’s growing presence in the international tennis scene and motivating aspiring players nationwide to pursue the sport at the highest level.
RELATED: [Manila To Host First-Ever WTA 125 Tournament In 2026]
