Eala outclasses Linette to book semis berth in ASB Classic
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala’s hot run in the ASB Classic in New Zealand continues.
Eala barged into the semifinals of the WTA 250 tournament in New Zealand after dominating Magda Linette in the quarterfinals, 6-3, 6-2, Friday morning (Manila time).
This is the first time the Filipina tennis ace defeated Linette. The latter previously defeated the former in their past two matchups – during the Abu Dhabi Open in 2024 and the Lexus Nottingham Open last year.
“I do my best. I do what I can and just… if I see an opening, I think it's important that I go for it,” Eala said after the match.
“Today was difficult. Obviously Magda, being such an experienced player, and I've had difficulties with her playing against her before. So I'm happy that I'm seeing my level increase and improve,” she added.
The first set was tied at 2-2 after Linette won the fourth game.
But the World No. 53 Filipina won three straight to grab a 5-2 advantage. Her Polish opponent salvaged the set with a win in the eighth game, but Eala finished it off and took the first set.
And in the second set, she continued on with the momentum, getting the first four games.
Linette, though, breathed life into her campaign, winning the next two to make it 2-4.
But the fourth-seeded pride of the Philippines would not be denied, getting the victory in an hour and 37 minutes.
Eala's opponent in the semifinals will be China’s Xinyu Wang, who defeated Francesca Jones in the first set, 6-4, and was leading in the second set before the British tennister retired from the match.
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