Alex Eala storms into ASB Classic quarterfinals with dominant win over Petra Marčinko

Alex Eala delivered one of the most authoritative performances of her young WTA career, dismantling Croatia’s Petra Marčinko, 6–0, 6–2, to punch her ticket to the quarterfinals of the ASB Classic in Auckland.

Needing just 1 hour and 2 minutes on Center Court, the 20-year-old Filipina put on a masterclass in control and efficiency, seizing command from the opening game and never loosening her grip.

The SEA Games gold medalist at one point rattled off seven straight games, suffocating the former junior standout and turning the Round of 16 encounter into a largely one-sided contest.

The statistics reflected the dominance. Eala converted all six of her break-point opportunities, won 27 receiving points, and piled up 57 total points—nearly double Marčinko’s 30. Her serving was equally precise, landing 94 percent of her first serves and winning 64 percent of those points, while Marčinko struggled badly on delivery, failing to win a single point on her second serve.

Marčinko managed just two games and one service hold throughout the match, repeatedly pinned back by Eala’s depth, pace, and willingness to take the ball early. Match trackers and international tennis reports highlighted how Eala’s ability to dictate rallies from the baseline denied the Croatian any chance to settle into her usual rhythm.

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Alex Eala makes a STATEMENT on Centre Court

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The world No. 82 Marčinko led Eala 2-1 in the second set, but never got any momentum going as the Filipina would win the next five games to advance to the next round. 

The emphatic win continues Eala’s strong run in Auckland, coming on the heels of her breakthrough upset of former world No. 17 Donna Vekić earlier in the tournament with a come from behind 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 win in the Round of 32. 

Following both wins against Vekić and Marčinko, Eala is now 2-0 against players from Croatia in her career at the WTA main-draw level. 

As of posting time, Eala is set to face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between Magda Linette and Elisabetta Cocciaretto, a test that will pit her against a more established tour regular and further measure her form.

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