Alex Eala builds Australian Open momentum with second straight win over Donna Vekic

Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala continued to build momentum on the eve of the season’s first Grand Slam, scoring another straight-sets win over Donna Vekic, 6-3, 6-4, in an exhibition match at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne on Wednesday.

The victory carried added meaning beyond the scoreboard. It marked Eala’s second win over the former world No. 19 in just over two weeks, following her three-set triumph at the WTA 125 ASB Classic in New Zealand earlier this month. More importantly, it reinforced the idea that Eala is arriving at the Australian Open not just prepared—but confident she can go toe-to-toe with established tour veterans.

Despite the convincing result, Eala was quick to acknowledge the difficulty of the matchup.

“I always have a tough time playing with her (Donna Vekic),” Eala said.

The opening set tested that claim. Vekic seized an early 2-1 lead before Eala steadied herself, tying the score at 2-all and then stringing together a decisive run. 

A six-point streak swung the momentum in her favor, allowing her to reclaim the lead at 3-2, and another five-point burst soon stretched it to 4-2. Eala maintained her composure down the stretch, closing the set at 6-3 despite a brief response from Vekic.

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Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala sweeps Croatia’s Donna Vekic, 6-3, 6-4, at the Round of 32 of the Kooyong Classic in Australia.

This marks her second victory over the Olympic silver medalist this month, winning in three sets at the ASB Classic. | via @PaigeJavier pic.twitter.com/EPJDwszkzz

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) January 14, 2026

Vekic again struck first in the second set, but Eala responded immediately, leveling at 1-1 and later at 2-all. From there, the Filipina dictated play with greater authority, managing the key moments to seal the match, 6-4, without allowing the contest to drift into the kind of extended battle their New Zealand meeting produced.

The performance left a strong impression on Eala herself.

“I wanna say this is the best I’ve ever played,” she said.

That statement may be the most telling takeaway as the Australian Open looms. While the Kooyong Classic is an exhibition event, Eala’s ability to back up a breakthrough win with another composed, straight-sets performance suggests real growth—not just in shot-making, but in belief and match management.

Heading into Melbourne Park, Eala appears to be carrying something she has often chased in the early stages of her career: rhythm. Beating the same experienced opponent twice in a short span sends a clear signal that she is learning how to impose her game, absorb pressure, and close out matches against players accustomed to the Grand Slam spotlight.

For a young Filipina still carving out her place on the tour, that may be the most valuable edge of all as she steps onto the Australian Open stage. 

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