Alex Eala thrilled to open 2026 with doubles win vs ‘pioneers’ Venus Williams, Elina Svitolina

MANILA, Philippines – Alex Eala could not have started the year any better as she battled — and got a win — over two tennis legends. 

Eala and partner Iva Jovic opened their women’s doubles campaign in the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, with a 7-6 (7), 6-1 win over Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina on Monday, January 5. 

The young duo of 20-year-old Eala and 18-year-old Jovic recovered from a 5-6 deficit in the first set and pulled through a nervy tiebreak to beat their established opponents who have won the biggest titles in the sport.

Williams, 45, owns seven Grand Slam titles (five Wimbledon and two US Open) and an Olympic gold medal and held the No. 1 rank in the world at the peak of her powers.

Meanwhile, Svitolina, 31, ruled the WTA Tour Finals in 2018, captured an Olympic bronze medal, and ranked as high No. 3 in the world.

“To start the year with such a moment like this and sharing the court with two pioneers of the sport, pioneers off the court as well, people I looked up since I was young, I’m so happy to be able to share this moment with you and all of you guys,” said Eala in front of droves of Filipinos who came to watch.

Having won a combined 24 doubles crowns, Williams and Svitolina stamped their class early as they grabbed a 5-3 lead, breaking Eala and Jovic in the eighth game to move on the cusp of clinching the opening set.

But Eala and Jovic claimed three of the next four games to force a tiebreak, where they once again fought back from the brink by winning three consecutive points after trailing 6-7. 

Eala and Jovic then dominated the second set as they wrapped up the match in 1 hour and 29 minutes, with Williams unable to return the serve of the Filipina for the point that sealed the deal. 

Also entered in the singles competition, Eala will face world No. 17 Donna Vekic in the first round on Tuesday, January 6.

Eala, who is currently ranked No. 53 in the world, is using the WTA 250 tournament as a warmup for the Australian Open, where she will play in the main draw for the first time in her career. – Rappler.com