Alex Eala opens 2026 in Auckland, Melbourne

Alexandra “Alex” Eala will begin her 2026 WTA season in the Australia–New Zealand swing, extending her rise on the professional tour.

Currently ranked WTA No. 53, Eala is set to open her season on Jan. 5 at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, a WTA 250 tournament.

Several familiar names appear on the ASB Classic entry list, including Varvara Gracheva of France, Lulu Sun of New Zealand, Janice Tjen of Indonesia, and Panna Udvardy of Hungary—players Eala has already faced in previous competitions.

After Auckland, Eala will travel to Melbourne, Australia, to play the Kooyong Classic, an exhibition event traditionally staged in the lead-up to the Australian Open.

Joining Eala in the Kooyong Classic women’s field are former world No. 5 Daniela Hantuchova, WTA No. 69 Donna Vekic, and world No. 98 Priscilla Hon.

Eala will then turn to the season’s first Grand Slam, the 2026 Australian Open, which runs Jan. 18 to Feb. 1.

The Melbourne major is expected to be a key early test for the young Filipina as she builds on momentum from her historic WTA Tour campaign last year.

Seven-time major singles champion Venus Williams was handed a wildcard to the Australian Open aged 45 on Friday, making her the oldest woman ever to play at the season-opening Grand Slam.

The American will compete in the main draw at Melbourne Park for the first time since 2021.

“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” said Williams.

“I’ve had so many incredible memories there and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.”

An Australian Open singles finalist in 2003 and 2017, Williams is a five-time Wimbledon champion and also won two US Opens.

Williams will become the oldest woman to play at the Australian Open since Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the first round in 2015.

A four-time Australian Open doubles champion, Williams is set to begin her preparations for the Jan. 18–Feb. 1 tournament at the Auckland Classic next week.

Williams returned to the circuit at the US Open last year after a 16-month break, setting up a new chapter in her career as she heads back to Melbourne.