Eala sweeps Linette, secures ASB Classic semifinal spot

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Alex Eala maintained her red-hot campaign in the ongoing WTA ASB Classic tournament after crushing Poland’s Magda Linette, 6–3, 6–2, to march to the semifinal round on Jan. 9, 2026, in Auckland, New Zealand.

Too powerful, clinical, and decisive with every point, Eala replicated her offensive masterclass as she picked up where she left off after demolishing Croatia’s Petra Marcinko, which formalized her quarterfinal ticket against Linette.

However, an early scare filled the Filipina’s camp after Linette stunned Eala with an early break point in the very first game of the set, to move to a morale-boosting 1–0 lead.

The Filipina ace quickly responded to avoid a dangerous 0–2 hole with a counter break point, capped off by a series of return winners and slick drop shot placements.

After a series of service hold exchanges, Eala finally halted Linette’s momentum in the sixth game of the set, breaking her serve after three deuces to establish a 4–2 advantage.

Eala smelled blood after Linette missed a point-blank volley just in front of the net area that could’ve saved her another game in the set.

In the next three games, Eala began to dictate the tempo and seize control of the pace after tallying seven groundstroke winners to seal the 1–0 lead.

A more calculated Eala made life more miserable for the former World No. 19 Polish challenger as the 20-year-old stalwart raced to a comfortable 4–0 cushion, built from back-to-back break points that sucked the life out of Linette.

The experienced Linette tried to pull off a come-from-behind attempt after rattling off two consecutive games, but the eager Eala saw enough and handed her the final avalanche in the match-sealing eighth game of the set, blanking her, 40–0, en route to the 2–0 quarterfinal victory.

Just like her scoring display in the Round of 16, Eala boasted a highlight-filled quarterfinal performance with 70 total points won, 33 on the return, and five break points.

“It feels so good,” Eala said during the post-game interview.

“Thank you everybody for being here. I do my best, I do what I can. If I see an opening, it’s important that I go for it. Magda, being such an experienced player, I’ve had difficulties playing against her before, so I’m happy that I’m seeing my level increase and improve.”