Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala has had quite the start to 2026, making it to the semifinals in Women’s Singles at the 2026 WTA 250 ASB Classic with a dominant 6-3, 6-2 victory over Poland’s Magda Linette on Friday. This latest win appears to be especially sweet for the 20-year-old, who admitted that the playing conditions were more difficult than usual and that she found herself in “certain moments of frustration.”
“Some days are easier than others,” the Rafa Nadal Academy graduate said after her semifinal-clinching victory. “Today was a difficult one with a lot of wind, but I’m happy with how I was able to bounce back after certain moments of frustration.”
Difficult Conditions, Difficult Opponent
Making Eala’s match even more challenging was a player whom the Filipina had never beaten before Friday. Linette, who is ranked one spot higher than Eala at No. 52, defeated the Quezon City native in each of their two previous encounters—6-4, 6-2 in the 2025 Nottingham Open and 7-6(4), 6-1 in the 2024 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.
That history wasn’t lost on Eala, who admitted afterward that facing Linette is indeed a tough proposition. Fortunately for the young star, she was at her best this time around.
“I think I had a good performance today,” Eala said. “I’m happy with how I handled the external factors, the wind, and playing Magda has always been difficult for me. She’s a very solid player, very consistent.”
Linette is definitely solid, having reached as high as No. 19 in the world rankings. On this day, however, Alex Eala was simply better than the Polish ace.
Ever-Improving Alex Eala
That the 53rd-ranked Eala dominated Linette shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. Last season’s breakout star has looked sharper thus far in 2026, both from a skills standpoint and in her ability to protect leads and close out matches—two areas she struggled with last year. And it appears Eala herself recognizes the strides she’s making.
“I wanna say so,” she said when asked about taking steps forward in her game. “I think every match presents its own unique set of challenges, but I definitely do see improvement from last season.”
Winning helps, too, Eala added, acknowledging that her early victories in Auckland have boosted her morale.
Indeed, Alex Eala is playing some of her best tennis yet, and the improvements in her game, along with that growing confidence, are certainly showing.
