Alexandra Eala continued her impressive run at the ASB Classic in Auckland, defeating Magda Linette in the quarterfinals on Friday, January 9. The 20-year-old Filipino star sealed a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory in just one hour and 37 minutes, marking a significant milestone in her young career.
The win sets up a semifinal clash on Saturday against China’s Wang Xinyu, as Eala looks to extend her breakthrough tournament performance.
“I think I had a good performance today,” Eala said after the match. “I’m happy with how I handled the external factors—the wind—and playing Magda has always been difficult for me. She’s a very solid, consistent player.”
Friday’s triumph was Eala’s first win over Linette in three meetings, underscoring her steady progress on the WTA Tour. Reflecting on her development, Eala noted the strides she has made since last season.
“I think every match presents its own unique set of challenges, but I definitely see improvement from last year,” she said. “Winning three matches does help your morale.”
Before toppling Linette, Eala dispatched Donna Vekic in the opening round and Petra Marcinko in the round of 16, showcasing her growing confidence and composure under pressure.
Despite blustery conditions, Eala displayed maturity beyond her years, closing out the match with poise. “Some days are easier than others,” she admitted. “Today was tough with a lot of wind, but I’m happy with how I bounced back after moments of frustration.”
With three strong wins in Auckland, Eala is now just two victories away from her first WTA title—a prospect that feels increasingly within reach.
