SPORTS
Advocates Philippines
Alexandra Eala Outlasts Donna Vekic In Electrifying ASB Classic Battle
Photo credit: ASB Classic
Alexandra Eala turned Tuesday night at the ASB Classic into a spectacle, delivering a comeback win over Donna Vekic in a match that felt more like a football showdown than a tennis contest.
The 20-year-old Filipina battled past the seasoned Croatian, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, in a thrilling encounter that lasted two hours and 40 minutes. It was one of the most exciting matches of the tournament so far, with both players trading powerful shots and momentum swings from start to finish.
Eala was backed by a loud and passionate crowd, many from Auckland’s Filipino community, who filled the arena with cheers after nearly every point. The energy from the stands clearly fueled her performance, especially as the match grew tighter in the later stages.
After dropping the opening set, Eala raised her level in the second, showing composure and resilience against Vekic’s experience and consistency. The third set brought high drama, particularly when Eala briefly stumbled while serving for the match. Instead of losing confidence, she responded with aggressive returns and relentless pressure, earning another break to close out the win.
When the final point was played, the crowd erupted, underscoring Eala’s growing global following and her ability to shine on big stages. The victory not only highlighted her mental toughness but also confirmed her status as one of the most exciting young players to watch on the tour.
With performances like this, Eala continues to prove that she can match — and outfight — established names like Donna Vekic, even in the most intense and noisy environments.
The 20-year-old Filipina battled past the seasoned Croatian, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, in a thrilling encounter that lasted two hours and 40 minutes. It was one of the most exciting matches of the tournament so far, with both players trading powerful shots and momentum swings from start to finish.
Eala was backed by a loud and passionate crowd, many from Auckland’s Filipino community, who filled the arena with cheers after nearly every point. The energy from the stands clearly fueled her performance, especially as the match grew tighter in the later stages.
After dropping the opening set, Eala raised her level in the second, showing composure and resilience against Vekic’s experience and consistency. The third set brought high drama, particularly when Eala briefly stumbled while serving for the match. Instead of losing confidence, she responded with aggressive returns and relentless pressure, earning another break to close out the win.
When the final point was played, the crowd erupted, underscoring Eala’s growing global following and her ability to shine on big stages. The victory not only highlighted her mental toughness but also confirmed her status as one of the most exciting young players to watch on the tour.
With performances like this, Eala continues to prove that she can match — and outfight — established names like Donna Vekic, even in the most intense and noisy environments.
Jan 6, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
