Alex Eala in action. Photo courtesy: Bench Eje
Alex Eala powered into the ASB Classic semifinals with an impressive straight-sets victory over fifth seed and World No. 52 Magda Linette, 6–3, 6–2, on a sunny day in Auckland, New Zealand.
Seeded No. 4 Eala wasted no time setting the tone. Starting the 2026 season with leveled-up tennis, she surged ahead 4–2 in the opening set, outplaying Linette.
Striking winners from both wings and moving with speed around the court, she closed out the first set, 6–3, in just 45 minutes.
The Filipina carried her momentum into the second set, breaking Linette in the opening game to take a 1–0 lead.
Mixing power with creativity, Eala had several disguised drop shots that caught Linette completely off guard. She soon pulled away to a commanding 3–0 advantage before sealing the victory at 6–2.
The win was particularly significant for Eala, who had previously lost both of her earlier meetings with Linette at Nottingham in 2025 and Abu Dhabi in 2024, making this win a statement moment in their budding rivalry.
"Today was difficult. Obviously, Magda being such an experienced player, I've had difficulties playing against her before. So I'm happy seeing my level increase," she said during the post-match interview.
Eala, who continues to be a superstar in Auckland with newspaper features, now turns her focus to the semifinals.
She is set to face China's Wang Xinyu, currently ranked No. 57 in the world and a former career-high No. 32 in October 2023.
Eala plays later today in the doubles semis as well with Iva Jovic.