“Home is the people” – Alex Eala relishes Filipino support in ASB Classic

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala delivered a strong statement early in her 2026 season at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, not only with her performance on court but with heartfelt thanks to the Filipino fans who turned out to support her. 

The 20-year-old advanced past Donna Vekic in a hard-fought three-set Round of 32 match, and afterwards took time to acknowledge the passionate crowd that followed her throughout the contest. 

Eala overcame the Paris 2024 Olympic silver medalist 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a match that extended well into the evening, fueled in part by the loud Filipino contingent in attendance.

Early in the opening set, Eala built a 3-0 lead before Vekic rallied to take the set, but Eala regrouped and ultimately found a path to victory in the deciding third set. 

During her on-court interview immediately after the win, Eala was visibly moved by the support she received from fans who traveled to New Zealand or tuned in to cheer for her from afar.

“It’s so special. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned in 2025, it’s that home is a people and not a place. So, thank you everyone. Maraming salamat,” Eala said.

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Eala after beating Vekic in Auckland

“We have some good Filipino support in the building. How special is a night like this?”

Alex: “It’s so special. If there’s 1 thing I learned in 2025 it’s that home is the people & not the place. Thank you everyone”❤️
pic.twitter.com/8Hg5DfomlR

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 6, 2026

She also reflected on the challenge posed by Vekic, a veteran player with a career-high ranking inside the top 20, and what it meant to prevail against such competition.

“Like you said, she’s such an experienced player and super talented and definitely very decorated,” she said.

“So, I really had a tough time today, but I’m most happy about being able to compete and show up at the level like this, especially after such a tough preseason and so many things that’s happened over the past month. So, I’m proud about that,” added Eala.

The win propelled Eala into the Round of 16, where she is scheduled to face Petra Marčinko, ranked world No. 82. 

In addition to her singles campaign, Eala is also making waves in the doubles draw with her American partner Iva Jovic, advancing to the quarterfinals after a notable win over tennis icons Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina. 

With both singles and doubles action ahead, her ASB Classic run represents a strong start to her 2026 schedule, which includes the Australian Open later this month.

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