After advancing to the quarterfinals of the 2026 WTA 250 ASB Classic, Alex Eala noted in her post-game interview the importance of proper timing in her so-far very successful stint in Auckland, New Zealand.
Aggressive Baseline Play Propels Eala
“I think that’s a fundamental part of my game,” the 20-year-old Filipina said about proper timing, which she used to great effect in beating Petra Marcinko in the Round of 16.
Eala’s aggressive play from the baseline stood out once more, but she acknowledged that mastering the timing of her attacks is still an ongoing process.
“I try to be aggressive when I can, and I try to recognize when it’s not the time to be aggressive, and that’s something I’m still working on.”
She also tipped her hat to Marcinko for being a quality opponent.
“I think she had great shots, and at one point it became close, but I’m happy pulling off the win,” Eala added.
During the second set, after a hold from Marcinko, Eala was pushed to 0–40 in the ensuing game. But the Filipina dug deep and shut the door on any chance of a shift in momentum.
“I definitely think that helped. It’s never easy. The further they go, the harder it is to come back,” she noted. “But she kept fighting, and I just had to stay there and be solid.”
Working on a Signature Move?
With this win, more people are now seeing what could very well be Alex Eala’s best weapon in her young career: being aggressive from the baseline.
This is notable for two things: First, Eala’s fans will now have a better idea of what to expect from watching her games. Second, it gives the Filipina a certain comfort zone from which she could build her game moving forward. But it would also give her opponents an idea of how to adjust to her play style and figure out a way to counteract it.
Then again, Eala is still working on her timing. But if early returns are any indication, she’s trending in the right direction.
