ALEX Eala rose to greater heights last year. The Filipina tennis sensation looks to soar even higher this year as she opens her 2026 campaign in the 2026 ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand on Jan. 5.

Currently ranked No. 53 in the world, Eala is out to sharpen her arsenals in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA250) tournament as she warms up for her main draw debut in the Australian Open.

From Auckland, Eala will travel to Melbourne, Australia to compete in the 2026 Kooyong Classic before finally competing in the Australian Open.

The Kooyong Classic is one of the sport’s most prestigious warm-up events a week before the Australian Open.

In the ASB Classic, the 20-year-old Eala will be joined by an elite case led by world No. 14 Elina Svitolina, Emma Navarro (No. 15), and Magda Linette (No 54).

Seeing action with Eala in the Kooyong Classic are former world No. 17 Donna Vekic and former world No. 5 Daniela Hantuchova.

Eala had a stellar run year that saw her win her first title in a WTA-sanctioned tournament via the Gualdalajara Open. She also had a stellar run in the Miami Open where she took down world-rated opponents.

It was also last year that Eala made her US Open debut where she became the first Filipino player to post a victory in a major tournament in the Open Era after beating Clara Tauson in the first round. She eventually bowed out after losing to Cristina Bucșa in the second round.(CCM)

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• #Alex Eala
• #Filipina tennis player
• #2026 campaign
• #ASB Classic Auckland
• #WTA 250 tournament
• #January 5 opening
• #world number 53
• #Australian Open warm-up
• #main draw debut
• #Kooyong Classic Melbourne
• #elite field
• #Elina Svitolina
• #Emma Navarro
• #Magda Linette,