TENNIS: Eala defeats Linette to reach ASB Classic singles semifinals, drops doubles semifinals to Chinese pair

It was a day of mixed results for Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala. Eala thumped Magda Linette of Poland in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the ASB Classic singles semifinals. Her winning streak, at least in the doubles event, would end later in the day as she and doubles partner Iva Jovic of the US would yield to Chinese duo Yifan Xu and Zhaoxuan Yang, 7-5, 6-3, January 9.

Third time's the charm for the world number 52 Eala after tasting her first victory over the number 53 Linette on their third career battle. Their first meeting, the WTA 500 Abu Dhabi Open in 2024, saw Linette sweeping Eala in the round of 32.

Their duel in 2025 in the WTA 250 Nottingham Open had Eala bowing again to Linette. Eala did not win a single set in those two matchups. This year in Auckland, New Zealand is another story. Eala, finally solving the enigma that is Linette, beat her convincingly in two sets.

A few hours after Eala's singles victory, her and doubles partner Jovic's gallant stand was not enough to overcome China's Xu and Yang. The Chinese duo never let up even after Eala and Jovic had big early leads in both sets. Showing nerves of steel, Xu and Yang rallied to win three straight games in the first set after they were behind 5-4, snatching the set. The Chinese pair again scored five straight games when they were down 3-1 to seal the victory and take the finals ticket.

Eala faces world number 57 Wang Xinyu of China in the semifinals tomorrow, January 10.

Riz Pulumbarit/PARALUMAN News