In front of a crowd overflowing with Filipino fans at the ASB Classic in Aukland, New Zealand, Alexandra Eala defeated 2024 Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic in three compelling sets that lasted about 2 1/2 hours.
Never count her out 😤
Alex Eala completes the comeback against Vekic in Auckland, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4!#ASBClassic26 pic.twitter.com/hYhMQ86692
— wta (@WTA) January 6, 2026
Eala proved to be the fitter of the two as Vekic seemed to get fatigued in her first match of the season. Vekic won the first set 6-4, but Eala came back to take the final two sets with the same score in her favor. Donna Vekic opens the season with a new coach, previously linked to Katie Boulter, Biljana Veselinovic, and a new clothing sponsor Ellesse, as it tries to reenter the tennis landscape after being dominant in previous eras.
This was an entertaining match with the two exchanging high quality rallies. This is the second win for Eala in as many days. Partnered with Iva Jovic, Eala defeated Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina in a first round doubles match yesterday.
Eala is proving that her 2025 Miami Open semifinal run was not a fluke. She also notched an impressive US Open win over Clara Tauson last fall.
Philippines Fans Go Wild
While Eala does not have the craze of Joao Fonseca and his Brazilian fanbase, she has a strong following of Filipino fans who show up at her matches regardless of where she is. Of course, there will be more in New Zealand as it is geographically closer to home.
The fans are wearing Philippines shirts, holding signs and flags, and cheering so loudly during points that the umpire had to warn them at one point.
Hear that crowd? That’s what Coco Gauff’s talking about!
WTA has found a gem in Alex Eala (even when she’s the underdog or takes a loss), she’s in demand. She will draw a crowd and deserving of that main event treatment! #ASBClassic26 pic.twitter.com/lMJL4iX0oP
— kage  (@Kageyamatee) January 6, 2026
It is an interesting setting when compared with how Coco Gauff described the US fanbase. Her comments, an observation and fa seemingly got misconstrued, but there is some truth to the fact that, for better or worse, US fans are not as crazed at tennis matches.
