Red-hot Eala sends Paris silver medalist packing

Alex Eala displayed her readiness for the Australian Open as she made short work of world No. 70 and Paris Olympics silver medalist Donna Vekic of Croatia, 6-3, 6-4, in the Kooyong Classic at the Kooyong Arena in Melbourne last Wednesday.

The 20-year-old Eala proved her previous 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 win over Vekic in the Round of 32 of the Auckland Open in New Zealand was no fluke as she picked up another win in front of Filipino fans before making her way to Melbourne Park for the first Grand Slam of the year on 18 January.

Although they competed in a mere exhibition event, Eala said beating the former world No. 17 Vekic is something she needs as she makes her main draw debut in the Australian Open.

“It’s always great, especially against Donna. She’s such a solid player and very experienced player so I think it’s a good preparation for Australia, but just being here in general is a highlight in itself,” said Eala, who earned a wildcard entry for the Philippine Women’s Open from 26 to 31 January.

“I want to say this is the best I’ve ever played. I think I’m in a good moment. So, I really hope to keep the momentum going, keep working hard and hopefully things will align for me in the Australian Open.”

Vekic admitted that she felt the intensity of the Filipino fans in what is considered a preview of her campaign in the Philippine Women’s Open that will be held at the historic Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

World No. 38 Tatjana Maria of Germany, No. 43 Wang Xinyu of China, No. 64 Solana Sierra of Argentina, No. 85 Lulu Sun of New Zealand and No. 87 Moyuka Uchijima of Japan are also expected to land in Manila and vie for the title of the prestigious Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 125 event.

“Every time I feel like we’re playing in the center of the Philippines. So I don’t know. There are so many of you guys out there,” said Vekic, who will also be playing in the main draw of the Australian Open.

“It wasn’t the best of conditions playing today but I think it was still a good match. Congrats to Alex. She played well,” said Vekic, a product of the world-famous IMG Academy, where stars like Serena and Venus Williams of the United States and Maria Sharapova of Russia got their start.

“Eventually, I’ll get you.”

Tied at 2-2 in the first set, Eala held her serve in the fifth game before she broke Vekic’s serve to take a 4-2 lead. Down 2-5, Vekic was able to hold her serve to extend the set but Eala held her serve to win the set.

Eala started slow in the second set as Vekic held her serve before she broke Eala’s serve for a 2-0 lead.

Eala then broke Vekic’s serve to win four straight games for the lead. Then, down 5-3, Vekic held serve to extend the set but Eala held her serve as well to secure the victory.

The Filipina sensation had a great start in 2026 as she has won four out of her five matches so far. She, however, wants to focus each round and not get ahead of herself.

After all, it was that same focus and motivation that helped her boost her ranking last March following an impressive run in the Miami Open.

“I’m looking for a second round. I think it’s step-by-step. I’ll welcome all the success that is written in my life,” Eala said.

“I think the most important thing is surrounding myself with good people and people who keep me grounded. As I said a while ago, there’s always gonna be someone better than you.”