FILIPINA tennis phenom Alex Eala picks up where she left off, starting the new calendar year with a stunning victory in Australia.
The young tandem of Eala and Iva Jovic smashed an astounding upset win against the veteran duo of multi-time world champion Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina, 7-6, 6-1 in round 16 of the ASB Classic women’s doubles on Monday in Auckland, New Zealand.
Proving their place in the competition, the 20-year-old Eala and 18-year-old Jovic pulled off a balanced mix of fiery grit and steady composure to outduel the seasoned vets, 45-year-old Williams and the current world no. 13 Svitolina, to book their tickets to the ASB Classic doubles quarterfinals.
The Williams-Svitolina pairing opened things up, firing on all parts of the court that led to a 3-5 lead in the early goings of the first set, with the 7-time Grand Slam winner Venus paving the way.
But the Filipino-American tandem did not waver, slowly climbing their way back into the game. Eventually, Eala and Jovic tied the set, 5-all, with them saving three straight set points.
The duo yet again survived a 5-6 disadvantage after consecutive points to force a tiebreaker against the more experienced netters.
Eala and Jovic then ended the grueling opening set with a 9-7 run on a 3-0 flurry.
After the tight first set, Eala and Jovic rode on their momentum from the tiebreak win as they dominated the next frame. The duo barged with a blazing 4-0 start in the second set, mainly due to their service game and defense.
Williams and Svitolina put up one last stand in the latter half of the set, putting their names on the board, 4-1.
But Eala and Jovic stormed back into the game, denying the comeback attempt of the veterans, ultimately overthrowing Williams and Svitolina, 6-1.
Kicking off 2026 with a statement win, Eala and Jovic will now await their opponent in the quarterfinal doubles that could either be the pair of ex-Eala doubles partner Renata Zarazúa or the tandem of Asia Muhammad and Erin Routliffe.
Setting a confident tone for the new season, Eala will also make her first singles match debut this year against Donna Vekic of Croatia on Tuesday at 2 p.m. (Manila time).