Alex Eala and Iva Jovic stun Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina in ASB Classic doubles debut

A new wave of youth and energy took center court in Auckland on Monday as Alex Eala and Iva Jovic pulled off a stunning victory against seasoned campaigners Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina, 7-6(7), 6-1, at the WTA ASB Classic. 

The dynamic pairing, aged just 20 and 18, announced their arrival in New Zealand with authority, blending resilience and precision in their doubles debut.

The opening set was a tense, nail-biting affair, with Eala and Jovic saving eight set points to secure a dramatic tiebreak. 

Once the pressure eased, the young duo hit their stride in the second set, allowing their illustrious opponents—Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, and Svitolina, a former world No. 1—to claim only one game. 

The match concluded in 1 hour and 29 minutes, leaving no doubt about the rising pair’s chemistry and potential. 

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STRONG START TO 2026

Tennis duo Alex Eala and Iva Jovic delivered a powerful start at the ASB Classic, booking a spot in the doubles quarterfinals and setting a confident tone for the new season after defeating the tandem of Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina, 7–6(7), 6–1! pic.twitter.com/JAnS8HNSxf

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) January 5, 2026

With this win, Eala and Jovic punched their ticket to the doubles quarterfinals, where they will meet the winner of the clash between top seeds Desirae Muhammad and Erin Routliffe and the pairing of Tereza Maleckova and Renata Zarazua. 

This marks the first professional tournament partnership for the Filipino world No. 53 and the American world No. 35, a combination that has already turned heads.

The triumph in doubles was only half the story. In singles play, Jovic advanced to the round of 16 with a first-round victory over Czech Republic’s Gabriela Knutson. 

Meanwhile, Eala, the fourth seed, is set to take on Croatian third seed Donna Vekić in a highly anticipated matchup on Tuesday morning—an encounter that promises to test her skills on the singles court just as much as the doubles win showcased her composure and fighting spirit.

Monday’s results highlight a new generation ready to challenge the established stars, with Eala and Jovic proving that talent, teamwork, and poise can topple even the most decorated of opponents. 

Fans and analysts alike will now watch closely as Eala balances her doubles momentum with a high-profile singles battle, potentially signaling a breakout week at the ASB Classic.

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