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Posts tagged as “Tennis”

Wimbledon 2026: Jasmine Paolini Outlasts Alex Eala in Dynamic Three-Set Match

July 6, 2026

Alexandra Eala’s historic run at the 2026 Wimbledon tournament ended with a thrilling match on Monday, July 6, in the Round of 16. After beating defending champion Iga Swiatek in the previous round, the 21-year-old Filipina star pushed Italy’s Jasmine Paolini to her limits before losing 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

Paolini took early control of the match, serving well to win the first set. Showing the fight that defined her tournament, Eala hit back with aggressive shots from the baseline to win three straight games and take the second set. In the final set, the two players were tied at 3-3 before Paolini’s experience helped her win the final games.

Despite the loss, Eala’s great performance made her the first Filipino player in the Open Era to reach the second week of a Grand Slam tournament.

Jasmine Paolini’s next opponent in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon will be the 12th seed, Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine. Kostyuk advanced to the final eight after defeating America’s Ashlyn Krueger 6-4, 6-4. Paolini holds a 2-1 head-to-head advantage over Kostyuk coming into their upcoming matchup.

How Rafa Nadal Academy Scholarship at 13 Launched Alexandra Eala to WTA Top 30  

July 5, 2026

Arthur Millot, writing for TennisTemple;

Her destiny shifted during a well-known event among junior tennis specialists: Les Petits As.

Her performance caught attention, and recruiters from the Spanish academy spotted her.

A moment she’ll never forget: “We were there and we won, and the Rafa Nadal Academy contacted me, so it was a big event.”

This contact marked a decisive turning point, as the Rafa Nadal Academy offered her a scholarship.

A rare privilege for a young player from a country lacking major tennis infrastructure.

This support changed everything: no more financial pressure, access to top-level facilities, daily professional coaching.

This is Alex Eala’s origin story.

A short article but worth reading specially if you’re one the people who follows her tennis career.

Although she comes from a privileged background, what Alex has achieved at this stage in her tennis career still takes immense hard work and training.

Alex Eala Dethrones Defending Champion Iga Swiatek to Advance Wimbledon Last 16

July 4, 2026

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala created monumental history at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, stunning defending champion and world No. 3 Iga Swiatek in a thrilling third-round clash on Centre Court. The 21-year-old Eala displayed remarkable composure to oust the Polish superstar in straight sets, 7-6(9), 6-2.

The opening frame was an absolute marathon. Eala initially led 5-3 before Swiatek mounted a furious rally, saving multiple set points to force a tiebreak. Showing incredible resilience, the 29th-seeded Eala survived a tense 11-9 tiebreak battle to claim the upper hand. Carrying that electric momentum directly into the second set, Eala broke early and dictated play, sealing the historic upset with clinical poise.

In the post-game interview, Eala praised Swiatek and the fans on Centre Court at Wimbledon: “I don’t know how to describe it. I’m in the 2nd week of a slam. It’s amazing for me. Iga is a phenomenal player and a really nice person. I’m really grateful to be able to share Centre court with her at Wimbledon. I’m really emotional. Maybe for someone like Iga who’s won so many slams or someone like Serena or Venus, this achievement may seem small.. but for someone who grew up in the Philippines.”

With this monumental victory, Eala becomes the first Filipino player in the Open Era to reach the Round of 16 at Wimbledon, beautifully securing her ticket to the second week of a Grand Slam.

Eala’s next match will be against Jasmine Paolini (the tournament’s 13th seed) in the Round of 16 this Monday, July 6th.

Alex Eala defeats Maya Joint to advance to 2026 Wimbledon 3rd round

July 2, 2026

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala secured a historic milestone at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, roaring back to defeat Australia’s Maya Joint 3–6, 6–2, 6–0 on Thursday, July 2nd. The 29th-seeded Eala initially struggled to find her rhythm on Court 3, dropping the opening set to a dangerous opponent who had just upset 23-time Grand Slam icon Serena Williams.

Backed by a passionate, flag-waving Filipino crowd that felt like a home audience, Eala completely turned the tide with supreme grit. She adjusted her baseline depth and attacked the net aggressively. After commanding the second set, Eala unleashed a flawless performance in the decider, handing Joint a 6–0 “bagel.” This victory successfully avenged a heartbreaking loss to Joint at last year’s Eastbourne finals and established Eala as the first-ever Filipino singles player in the Open Era to reach the third round of a Grand Slam.

Next;
Eala’s historic breakthrough sets up a blockbuster third-round clash against World No. 3 and defending champion Iga Swiatek. This highly anticipated singles encounter is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2026. Before that singles showdown, Eala takes the court for opening-round doubles action alongside partner Nikola Bartunkova against Sofia Kenin and Jelena Ostapenko.

Maya Joint takes down Serena Williams at 2026 Wimbledon

July 1, 2026

Cole Bambini wrote, “Serena Williams gave Wimbledon another chance to look at the sport’s greatness on Tuesday. And for her opponent Maya Joint — who defeated the seven-time Wimbledon champion 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 in Williams’ first singles match in nearly four years — she fulfilled a lifelong dream and won the biggest match of her career.”

The win sets up a July 2nd match between Maya Joint and Alex Eala, who took care of her opponent in an earlier match.

Alex Eala Crushes Renata Zarazúa to Seal Historic First Wimbledon Win

June 30, 2026

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala made history at the All England Club on Tuesday, dominating Mexico’s Renata Zarazúa 6-1, 6-2 to secure her first-ever main draw victory at Wimbledon.

Stepping onto the grass courts as a tournament seed (No. 29) for the first time in her career, the 21-year-old Eala looked completely in control from the outset. After an early 1-1 deadlock in the opening frame, Eala showcased brilliant baseline grit—surviving a marathon sixth game that featured seven deuces—to break Zarazúa’s serve and run away with the match. She wrapped up the commanding straight-sets victory in just one hour and 18 minutes.

Following her historic breakthrough, Eala advances to the second round, where a blockbuster matchup awaits. She will face the winner of the highly anticipated first-round match between 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams—making a wildcard comeback—and Australia’s Maya Joint.

Eala is scheduled to return to the court for her second-round match on Thursday, July 2, 2026, as she looks to extend her phenomenal grass-court campaign.

Source: WTA

Alex Eala’s Historic Draw and Schedule for Wimbledon 2026

June 27, 2026
Alex Eala’s Historic Draw and Schedule for Wimbledon 2026

The 2026 Wimbledon Championships mark a historic milestone for Philippine tennis. Reaching a career-high world No. 30, 21-year-old Alex Eala has secured the No. 29 seed, becoming the first Filipina ever to be seeded at a Grand Slam singles tournament. Fueled by an impressive grass-court season, including a title in Birmingham and a semifinal run in Berlin, Eala is primed for the grand stage.

The women’s singles draw pits Eala against Mexico’s Renata Zarazúa (world No. 76) in the first round on Tuesday, June 30. A victory could set up a blockbuster second-round clash against 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.

Alongside her historic singles run, Eala will contest the women’s doubles draw with Czech partner Nikola Bartůňková. The duo looks to build on the strong grass-court chemistry they displayed during their recent run at the Birmingham Open.

Source: olympics.com

Nicholls and Mihalíková defeats Eala and veteran Williams in the Quarterfinals of the 2026 Bad Homburg Open Doubles

June 25, 2026

The highly anticipated partnership of rising Filipina star Alex Eala and tennis legend Venus Williams came to an end in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Bad Homburg Open. The duo fell in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, to the formidable second-seeded tandem of Great Britain’s Olivia Nicholls and Slovakia’s Tereza Mihalíková.

Eala and Williams, teaming up for the first time at the WTA 500 grass-court event, showed early promise but struggled against the precise play of their opponents. Nicholls and Mihalíková capitalized on multiple break points, executing a masterclass in grass-court doubles that wrapped up the match in 80 minutes to advance to the semifinals.

Game highlights;

With their exit in the 2026 Bad Homburg Open, Alex Eala can now focus on her upcoming 2026 Wimbledon Championships debut this June 29th to July 12th.

Williams and Eala Secure Straight-Sets Debut Win in Bad Homburg

June 25, 2026

In an exciting cross-generational debut, tennis icon Venus Williams and rising star Alex Eala advanced to the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 Bad Homburg Open, defeating Catherine Harrison and Alexandra Osborne 6-3, 6-4.

The wildcard duo showcased immediate chemistry, racing to a commanding 4-0 lead in the opening set. Relying on Williams’ powerful baseline game and Eala’s sharp net reflexes, they captured the first set comfortably.

The second set delivered a tougher, see-saw battle. Harrison and Osborne mounted a strong fightback to lead 3-2, but Williams and Eala responded with their own run, late breaks to tie the set at 4-4, the Filipino-American pair secured a crucial break before Williams served out the match with authority.

Key Stats:

  • Williams/Eala won 75% of their first-serve points.
  • The duo converted 4 of 7 break points.

While Eala bounced back from a tough singles exit, the 46-year-old Williams gained vital grass-court momentum. Next up, the duo will face a steep quarterfinal test against the second-seeded tandem of Tereza Mihalíková and Olivia Nicholls.

Mertens Remains Perfect Against Eala with Straight-Sets Win at Bad Homburg Open

June 23, 2026

Belgian veteran Elise Mertens extended her perfect head-to-head record against Alex Eala to 3-0, defeating the Filipina sensation 6-3, 6-3 in the first round of the Bad Homburg Open.

Fresh off a stellar semifinal run in Berlin that pushed her to a world No. 30 ranking, Eala showed early flashes of brilliance, racing to a promising 3-1 lead in the opening set. However, the 24th-ranked Mertens quickly stabilized, unleashing 10 aces and a commanding baseline game to reel off five straight games. Mertens carried that momentum through the second set to seal the victory, though Eala fought valiantly, saving two match points.

Next up for Eala is the doubles tournament, where she partners with tennis legend Venus Williams, while Elise Mertens moves on to face Naomi Osaka in the Round of 16.

Noskova Halts Eala’s Historic Berlin Run in Straight Sets

June 21, 2026

Alexandra Eala’s spectacular grass-court run at the 2026 Berlin Open came to an end in the semifinals, falling 6-2, 6-4 to Czech powerhouse Linda Noskova.

Just a day prior, Eala looked practically unstoppable. In the quarterfinals, the 21-year-old Filipina phenom captured one of the biggest wins of her career, dismantling world No. 8 Elina Svitolina 6-3, 6-4 with aggressive, fearless baseline play. That masterful triumph capped off a stretch of back-to-back Top-10 upsets for Eala, following an earlier shock victory over Elena Rybakina.

However, Noskova proved to be a hurdle too high. Dictating play with nine aces and capitalising on five structural break points, the clinical eighth seed never allowed Eala to find the rhythm that had troubled Svitolina.

Match highlights;

What’s Next for Eala?
She will head to the Bad Homburg Open, also in Germany, where she will compete in both singles and doubles. Eala opens her singles campaign against Elise Mertens in the round of 32, and will later partner with Venus Williams in the doubles draw against opponents who are yet to be determined.

Alex Eala Upsets Elena Rybakina in Historic Berlin Open Run and Advances to Quarterfinals

June 19, 2026

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala sent shockwaves through the tennis world at the 2026 Berlin Open, securing the biggest victory of her career by upsetting world No. 2 Elena Rybakina in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4.

Playing in her tournament debut on the grass courts of the Steffi Graf Stadion, the 21-year-old Eala showed incredible composure. Despite Rybakina opening the match in blistering form and firing 13 aces, Eala—currently ranked world No. 35—recalibrated her returns and capitalized on her opponent’s unforced errors. Trailing 4-1 in the first set, Eala rallied fiercely to win five consecutive games before breaking early in the second set to seal the historic triumph in 1 hour and 32 minutes.

Game Highlights;

Check out the Head-to-Head stats for Alex Eala and Elina Svitolina.

With this monumental win, Eala advances to the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 tournament. She will not have much time to rest, as her next match is scheduled for later today, Friday, June 19, 2026, at 6:30 PM, which will be 11:30 PM, Philippine time. Eala will face a formidable opponent in Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, who enters the match as the tournament’s No. 6 seed and holds the world No. 8 ranking. It will be the first career meeting between the two.

Iva Jovic advance to Quarter Finals after defeating Alex Eala

June 10, 2026

After cruising through her opening match, Alex Eala found herself on the receiving end of a dominant performance as Iva Jovic took their match 6-2, 6-2 to advance to the quarterfinals. Jovic’s next opponent at the 2026 Queen’s Club Championships (HSBC Championships) in London will be the tournament’s second seed, Amanda Anisimova.

Alex Eala Cruises to Victory Over Zhang Shuai at HSBC Championships

June 9, 2026

Fresh off her triumphant title run at the Lexus Birmingham Open, Filipino tennis star Alex Eala continued her stellar grass-court form on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, with a commanding victory over China’s Zhang Shuai. In their first-ever singles meeting, Eala defeated the veteran campaigner 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the round of 16 at the HSBC Championships in London.

Despite a slow start where she fell behind 0-2 early, the 21-year-old Filipina quickly found her rhythm. She dominated the veteran Zhang, capitalizing on the Chinese star’s 33 unforced errors with consistent, aggressive groundstrokes. Eala sealed the victory in just 69 minutes.

Match highlights;

Eala now faces a rematch against American Iva Jovic. After her recent title win in Birmingham, Eala enters the next round as a serious contender, seeking redemption for her French Open loss, last month.

Alex Eala wins women’s singles title at the 2026 Birmingham Open

June 8, 2026

via LTA;

Eala became the first top seeded player to win a WTA 125 event since October 2025 as she battled from a set down to beat Bartunkova 5-7, 6-3, 7-5.

It’s a second WTA 125 singles title for Eala, who also reached the final of the Lexus Eastbourne Open on grass last year.

The final proved a strong test for Eala, who overturned a break deficit early in the second set and saved three break points in the opening stages of the third.

Despite missing the chance to serve out the win at 5-4 in the decider, Eala offered the perfect response, restoring her lead once again in the following game before seeing out the victory.

Eala now heads to London for the HSBC Championships at The Queen’s Club, where she will no doubt be one to watch.

Here are the game highlights;

Watch the Full Final set of 2026 Birmingham Open Semifinals between Alex Eala and Rebeka Masarova

June 7, 2026

In challenging conditions, with windy weather and multiple rain interruptions disrupting the rhythm of the match, Eala showed resilience and composure to stay focused throughout a hard-fought semi-final. After taking the opening set, the Filipina responded strongly to Masarova’s fightback, raising her level in the decider to secure a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 victory and book her place in the final.

Alex Eala Defeats Rebeka Masarova to Reach Birmingham Open Final

June 7, 2026

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala secured a spot in her first final of the season after surviving a grueling, rain-delayed semifinal clash against Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova at the Birmingham Open.

The top-seeded Eala demonstrated immense composure on the grass courts of the Edgbaston Priory Club, ultimately defeating the resilient Swiss qualifier in a three-set thriller, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.

Eala standardly dominated the opening set, coasting to a quick 6-2 lead. However, world No. 132 Masarova found her rhythm in the second set, matching Eala’s intensity and breaking the Filipina to force a deciding third set.

The final set turned into a true test of endurance, punctuated by two separate weather disruptions. Eala was leading 5-2 in the decider when a heavy downpour halted play for over an hour. When the players returned to Centre Court, Masarova managed to hold her serve to extend the match. Undeterred, the 21-year-old Filipina held her nerve, closing out the match with decisive forehand winners to seal the victory.

Game highlights;

With this hard-fought triumph, Eala advances to the second WTA 125 final of her career, where she will face her former doubles partner, Nikola Bartunkova of the Czech Republic. The 2026 Birmingham Open Finals will be this June 7th.

Eala Sweeps Past Sawangkaew to Secure Birmingham Open Semifinal Spot

June 5, 2026

Top-seeded Filipina tennis star Alex Eala put on a dominant performance at the 2026 Birmingham Open, sweeping past Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, to secure her spot in the tournament’s final four.

The world No. 37 controlled the pace of the quarterfinal match from the outset. Eala took the opening set in 48 minutes, showcasing sharp baseline play and converting critical breakpoints. She carried that momentum cleanly into the second set, breaking Sawangkaew to take a commanding 4-2 lead before closing out the match. The victory allowed Eala to avenge a previous career loss to the Thai player and level their head-to-head record at 1-1.

With this commanding win, Eala advances to the semifinals of the WTA 125 event. Up next, she will face Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova as she continues her strong push for the grass-court title.

Source: Olympics

Serena Williams making a comeback to professional tennis

June 3, 2026

In a stunning announcement that has electrified the sports world, tennis icon Serena Williams has revealed she is returning to professional competition. Widely regarded as the “Greatest Of All Time”, Williams brings an unparalleled legacy back to the court.

Her historic resume includes a staggering 23 Grand Slam singles titles—the most in the Open Era—alongside 14 major doubles titles and four Olympic gold medals. Having spent 319 weeks (third-most of all time), ranked as the world No. 1, her fierce competitiveness and dominant powerful serve have defined generations of tennis. Fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this legendary career.

Aryna Sabalenka wins the 2026 Miami Open

March 29, 2026

In a high-stakes showdown in Miami, Aryna Sabalenka defeated home favorite Coco Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to claim her second consecutive Miami Open title. The victory marks a historic milestone for Sabalenka, as she becomes the first woman since Iga Swiatek in 2022 to complete the prestigious “Sunshine Double”—winning both Indian Wells and Miami in a single season.

This triumph marks Sabalenka’s 24th career WTA singles title, further cementing her dominance on hard courts. Despite Gauff’s spirited comeback in the second set, Sabalenka’s relentless power ultimately overwhelmed the young American in the decider.

Next for Sabalenka, Gauff and the rest of the tour will be clay season and games will shift to Europe mainly in Madrid and Rome and, of course, the French Open.

Game highlights;

Alex Eala ends 2026 Miami Open run after a lopsided loss to Karolina Muchova

March 24, 2026

Alex Eala’s 2026 Miami Open campaign came to an abrupt end as the Filipina standout was overwhelmed by higher-seeded Karolína Muchová, 6-0, 6-2, in their Round of 16 clash. The lopsided defeat marked the exit for the 20-year-old Eala from the same tournament that fueled her breakthrough last year, when she stunned several Top 10 players en route to a semifinal finish.

Despite Eala’s impressive run—which included victories over Laura Siegemund and Magda Linette—she struggled to find an answer for Muchova’s versatile power game. While Eala exits the tournament with $105,720 in prize money, Muchova moves on to the quarterfinals, maintaining her dominant 2026 form.

Game highlights;

Alex Eala wins hard-fought match against Magda Linette at the 2026 Miami Open

March 22, 2026

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala continued her impressive run at the 2026 Miami Open, defeating Poland’s Magda Linette in a hard-fought Round of 32 clash. Eala, currently ranked world No. 29, secured a 6–3, 7–6(2) victory at the Hard Rock Stadium.

The match showcased Eala’s growing maturity; she dominated the first set with aggressive returns before weathering a resilient comeback from the veteran Linette in the second. By clinching the tiebreak, Eala leveled their career head-to-head record at 2–2. She now advances to the Round of 16 to face 13th seed Karolina Muchova.

Game highlights;

Eala Survives Epic 3-Hour Battle Against Siegemund at Miami Open

March 21, 2026

Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala advanced to the third round of the 2026 Miami Open after coming from a set down to defeat Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6-7 (8), 6-3, 6-3 — the longest match of her career. WTA The grueling contest lasted three hours and 20 minutes, making it the joint-fifth longest tour-level match of 2026. WTA
World No. 29 Eala raced to a 3-0 lead early, but the veteran Siegemund clawed back, eventually stealing the first set in a tiebreaker after Eala squandered multiple set points.

Eala, however, regrouped to dominate the next two sets 6-3, 6-3. Her aggressive baseline play and improved physical conditioning proved decisive against the 38-year-old Siegemund. This hard-fought victory marks the longest match of Eala’s career, propelling her into the third round as she continues her impressive rise on the WTA tour.

lex Eala’s next opponent in the Round of 32 at the 2026 Miami Open is Magda Linette from Poland. Linette secured her place in the third round by defeating world No. 3 Iga Swiatek in a comeback victory (1-6, 7-5, 6-3).

Game Highlights

Alex Eala Upsets Yastremska to face Coco Gauff at Indian Wells

March 8, 2026

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala continued her historic run at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open, securing a gritty 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 victory over Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska. In a marathon match lasting nearly three hours, the 20-year-old Eala showcased immense mental fortitude and focus, particularly in the deciding set.

After falling behind 4-5 in the third, Eala broke back immediately, capitalizing on Yastremska’s errors with her serve. The veteran Ukrainian committed a number of costly double faults throughout the game, including one that set up Eala’s fourth match point in a tense 12th game. With this win, Eala will move on to a highly anticipated third-round rematch against world No. 4 Coco Gauff. Gauff routed Eala in the semifinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in the UAE.

Here are the match highlights between Eala and Yastremska;

Here’s Eala on her upcoming rematch with Coco Gauff;

ICYMI: Coco Gauff routs Alex Eala to face Elina Svitolina in the Semis of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

February 22, 2026

Coco Gauff literally gave Alex Eala a tennis clinic.

Elina Svitolina was later defeated by Jessica Pegula, the eventual champions of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

via WTA;

Coco Gauff delivered a masterclass as far as bounce back performances are concerned with a dominant 6-0, 6-2 victory over Alexandra Eala on Thursday night to advance to the Dubai semifinals for the second time. She’ll face Elina Svitolina, who outlasted Antonia Ruzic in three sets to reach the last four.

Checkout the game highlights;

Elina Svitolina is the eventual champions of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

Alex Eala defeats Sorana Cîrstea for her 3rd straight win to advance to the Quarter finals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

February 19, 2026

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala has made history again. The 20-year-old moved into the quarterfinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships after defeating Romania’s Sorana Cîrstea in straight sets, 7-5, 6-4.

Eala showed great focus throughout the match. After a close first set, she took control in the second, leading 5-1. Although Cîrstea tried to come back, Eala stayed calm to finish the win. This victory follows her huge upset over world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini. Eala will now face world No. 4 Coco Gauff in the next round.

Game Highlights;

Post game interview;

Alex Eala upsets Jasmine Paolini to secure third Top 10 Scalp to Reach Dubai Round of 16

February 18, 2026

Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra “Alex” Eala delivered thrilling performance at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Tuesday, upsetting World No. 8 and former champion Jasmine Paolini in straight sets, 6-1, 7-6(5).

Dominating the first set, Eala showed remarkable poise under the lights. Despite a spirited comeback from Paolini in the second, the 20-year-old Filipina held her nerve in a high-quality tiebreak to secure her third career victory over a Top 10 opponent.

Eala now advances to the Round of 16, where she will face Romania’s Sorana Cirstea on Wednesday, February 18.

Here’s the highlights of the match;

Here’s what Alex said when asked on she will do to prepare for her next match;

Alexandra “Alex” Eala stuns Donna Vekic in a comeback win at the ASB Classic in Auckland

January 7, 2026

Women’s Tennis Rising star Alexandra Eala stunned veteran Donna Vekic at the ASB Classic in a performance that felt more like a high-stakes football match than a tennis tournament. Supported by a roaring “army” of Filipino fans in Auckland, the world No. 53 triumphed 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in an enthralling contest that lasted for two hours and 40 minutes.

The match peaked in the third set. After Eala failed to serve out the match at 5-3, she displayed remarkable resilience, attacking Vekic’s returns to break back immediately and secure the victory. Eala, who is currently ranked at No. 50, a career-high, late last year, credited the electric “homec crowd” atmosphere for helping her navigate the tension.

Eala now advances to the Round of 16, where she is scheduled to face another Croatian, Petra Marcinko, this Thursday, January 8. With her momentum building and a loyal global following behind her, the 20-year-old is proving to be a major force in the 2026 season.

Checkout the game highlights below;