So the fact the 21-year-old is coming back is quite a coup for organisers. Eala was already seen as a star on the rise last summer – then ranked 53 in the world and with some impressive results, including a run to the Miami semi-finals, where she beat three grand slam champions in consecutive matches, including American ace Madison Keys and Poland’s Iga Swiatek.
But since then, she has broken into the top 20 and claimed her first tour title, the WTA 500 event in Washington, DC. At the same time, she is one of the most recognisable players on the circuit – partly thanks to her fanatical Filipino fan base and she has more than two million Instagram followers. Eala would have been in demand for other events in the schedule but has chosen to come back to Stanley Street.
“We are excited Alex has chosen to come back to play in Auckland,” ASB Classic tournament director Nicolas Lamperin said. “We have watched her progress with interest and we know all tennis fans, especially her fervent fans from the Filipino community in Auckland, will be excited to see her in action again. Alex has a wonderful all-court game and she is a bubbly personality both on and off the court.”
Philippines player Alexandra Eala was a crowd favourite at the 2026 ASB Classic. Photo / Photosport
Aside from the reception from local and Filipino fans, Eala enjoyed her time here, with visits to Mission Bay and the Viaduct outside her busy tennis schedule.
“I loved my time in Auckland. Of course, the support there was amazing, especially from the Filipino community,” Eala said. “The people there were super nice. The city was super nice. I was there during New Year so it was a great experience for me.”
Eala has an exciting, counterpunching style – aggressive off both wings – and can be captivating when in full flow. Her debut in Auckland was one to remember, as she came back from losing the first set to beat Croatian veteran Donna Vekic 4-6 6-4 6-4 across two hours and 40 minutes, in an atmosphere that was comparable to a football crowd, rather than the typical tennis gathering. Her semi-final against China’s Wang Xinyu was another thriller, as she came back from 1-5 down to win the first set, then had a match point in the second bracket before losing 7-5, 5-7, 4-6 to Wang in three hours.
That tournament was the start of an impressive 2026. Eala had already managed a major breakthrough in 2025 – going from No 147 to No 50 – but she has increased the noise this year. Eala has compiled a 40-22 win-loss record that includes WTA tournament titles in Washington, DC and in Birmingham, along with semi-finals in Auckland and Berlin. She also made three quarter-finals, the fourth round at Wimbledon and the third round at the US Open.
“It meant so much to win my first WTA title in Washington,” Eala said. “I dreamed of it for so long and to be living in that moment was an unforgettable experience.”
Her match wins this year have included victories over five top-10 players, with world No 1 Elena Rybakina, No 4 Jessica Pegula, No 5 Coco Gauff, No 6 Svitolina and No 9 Światek.
Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.